Dudley Council bosses have welcomed the installation of the borough’s first public use non-turf cricket wicket, after securing funding through The England & Wales Cricket Board.

It’s hoped the new addition at Russells Hall Park will give people of all ages an opportunity to try out and enjoy playing cricket throughout the year.

The ECB with support of the Worcestershire Cricket Foundation selected the park for £10,000 of grant-funded work as part of The Hundred and KP Snacks Community Pitches’ programmes.

Part of the ‘Everyone in Campaign’, which is aiming to get more families active through Cricket, the pitch is one of 100 that are being funded by KP Snacks across the UK between 2023 and 2025, with over 50 now installed.

The pitch will also support cricket playing on Russells Hall Park thanks to an initiative between the friends group and Worcestershire Cricket Foundation, through the All Stars and Dynamo youth summer cricket programmes.

Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for environment and highways, said: “This new pitch is an exciting addition to Russells Hall Park, where the Friends Group has been doing amazing work to enhance the local offer.

“We were honoured that The England & Wales Cricket Board and KP Snacks selected one of our parks to form part of the amazing community pitches programme. We will continue to work with them and other partners to create more sporting opportunities for our residents.”

Alex Woods, Worcestershire Cricket Foundation, Club Development Officer: “The installation of this Non-Turf Pitch will benefit the local community and provide more opportunities for people in Dudley to play cricket.

“This will also form part of the Worcestershire Cricket Foundation wider strategy for developing cricket in the region”

Dudley Council has not needed to contribute any match funding, but it has pledged to continue to maintain the outfield to a playable standard for casual cricket, as part of its normal schedule.

People can find out more about The Hundred and KP Snacks Community Pitches Programme, including cricket events and activities in their area here.