Archaeology dig at proposed cricket site
Archaeology work will be taking place at the site of the proposed Farington cricket facility in Central Lancashire.
Scheduled to start from today (Tuesday 15 November), the work is being carried out by Salford University's Archaeology Service as part of the planning application for the site.
The aim is to see if there are any historical remains on the site, before any development proposals could be agreed.
Several large trenches will be dug to see if there is anything of archaeological interest on the site. The work on site is scheduled to take place until 23rd December, followed by a written report.
The dig is part of the planning process for the application for a new high-quality sports facility in the heart of the county.
Led by Lancashire County Council, the proposed development for Lancashire Cricket will bring together elite and community cricket on a site at Farington.
County Councillor Aidy Riggott, Cabinet member for economic development and growth at Lancashire County Council said: "People will see digging on the site from this week. This archaeology work will help us to understand the history of the site and the area.
"This is an important stage in the planning process, so that we can check for any historical artifacts or remains of archaeological interest, which would be affected by the proposed cricket development."
The proposed new year-round cricket facility would host a number of men’s and women’s competitive matches each year, as an alternative to Emirates Old Trafford.
This new facility would be a Centre of Excellence for women’s cricket in the North-West, further encouraging the growth of cricket in the region. It would provide a new training base for Lancashire’s men’s and women’s teams.
It would also be made available to the local community throughout the year, including local cricket clubs and schools.
The development would create new jobs at the facility itself and during the construction process – in addition to further training and skills opportunities.
Owned by the county council, the proposed site in Farington is alongside the A582 Farington Road on the west side of Stanifield Lane, and a short distance from the M65 and M6.
The proposals have been sensitively and carefully designed to respect the Green Belt setting, preserve the open and green setting, and protect the amenity of neighbouring residents.
New tree planting, landscaping and green spaces will provide an attractive setting and provide screening for local properties.
The planning application, which has been submitted for the proposed cricket facility, is available to view on the county council’s planning portal.
Find out more about the plans at www.lancashire.gov.uk/cricket