Edwinstowe Community Cricket Club hits a sustainability six with new practice nets and installation of PV solar panels on the clubhouse

In August, Newark and Sherwood District Council approved the allocation of £57,732 - comprising £53,882 from the Open Space Sports contribution and £3,850 from the Community Facilities contribution - to support two key projects at the club:

• Installation of PV solar panels on the clubhouse, reducing energy costs and supporting sustainability.
• Construction of an artificial two-bay cricket net facility at the Forest Corner ground, now open and available for practice.

The new nets are already proving a game-changer for local players. By providing high-quality practice facilities within the village, the club has removed the need for players to travel to other areas for training. This not only makes practice more convenient but also helps sustainably by reducing car journeys and emissions, helping to protect the environment, whilst supporting grassroots sports.

The funding was recommended by the Thoresby Vale Working Group, which includes representatives from Harworth Group, Newark and Sherwood District Council, and Edwinstowe Parish Council. The group was established under the Section 106 agreement a legally binding contract between developers and local planning authorities in the UK, ensuring that new developments contribute to local infrastructure and services, to advise on projects that enhance sports and community facilities in the area.

Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: "This is a fantastic example of how Section 106 contributions can make a real difference to local communities. Edwinstowe Community Cricket Club is not only providing excellent sporting opportunities but is also creating a welcoming space for people of all ages. The new practice nets will help players develop their skills and encourage more people to get involved in cricket, while the solar panels will make the club more sustainable and reduce its running costs. These improvements will have a lasting impact, supporting both the environment and the health and wellbeing of our residents. We are proud to work with partners to deliver projects that strengthen community life and create opportunities for everyone."

Councillor Susan Crosby, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Leisure at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: "I am thrilled to see these projects completed and already being used by the community. Edwinstowe Community Cricket Club does incredible work, particularly in promoting women’s and girls’ cricket, and these new facilities will help them continue that mission. Sport plays such an important role in improving physical and mental health, and having high-quality facilities locally means more people can take part and feel the benefits. The addition of solar panels also shows how we can combine investment in sport with sustainability, which is something we are committed to as a council. This is a win-win for the community, and I look forward to seeing the club go from strength to strength."

Edwinstowe Community Cricket Club is more than just a sports club - it is a thriving hub for the local community, with a strong commitment to also promoting women’s and girls’ cricket. By opening its doors to all, the club continues to play a vital role in fostering inclusivity and community spirit.

Mike Wigglesworth, Chair of Edwinstowe Community Cricket Club, said: “This provides a game changing opportunity. We are so grateful to Harworth, Newark and Sherwood District Council and everyone who has helped bring this to completion, it’s been a lengthy journey but what a result, astonishing!

“The revival of Edwinstowe CCC along with the introduction of Ladies and Girls cricket and a total inclusive policy necessitated the need for new facilities. We have so many young Hardball cricketers whose development has been held back, this opens it up. Exciting times will follow.”

Andrew Blackshaw, Chief Operating Officer Harworth Group said: “At Harworth, sustainability and placemaking go hand in hand, and it’s great to see these principles being realised at Thoresby Vale - our £52m investment, is yet another exemplary demonstration of how we continue to create better places, embedding social infrastructure with complementary placemaking activities to establish a thriving community that includes: up to 800 new homes, a new community rooted in placemaking and sustainability, a brand-new forest school, plus commercial and leisure spaces.

“We are delighted to see the installation of PV solar panels on the clubhouse, reducing energy costs and supporting sustainability, plus the construction of an artificial two-bay cricket net facility providing outstanding provision for local people. At Harworth, we pride ourselves in taking important steps, that go above and beyond, to shape communities that will thrive for generations, our role as master developer is to create places where people and nature can flourish side by side.”