Cricket fans call for new pitch at Sheffield park in deprived city area

Sports fans have asked for better cricket facilities at a Sheffield park in a deprived city area set to benefit from £20m in improvements.

A petition, signed so far by 189 people, calls for Sheffield City Council to install a “public-access, non-turf (mat/synthetic) cricket pitch in Parson Cross Park to provide accessible sports facilities for the local community”.

The petition states: “Parson Cross Park is a fantastic green space but it currently lacks dedicated facilities for cricket.

“There is a growing, passionate interest in cricket across Sheffield, yet local teams, families and young people in the area have to travel across the city to find proper playing surfaces.”

The petition argues that installing a durable, low-maintenance mat cricket pitch would provide free, accessible sports facilities for all age groups and support grassroots sports.

It would also enhance community cohesion by bringing together diverse groups with a shared love of the sport.

The government has awarded £20m Pride in Place funding to Parson Cross and Foxhill to support community projects until 2036.

A local neighbourhood board will decide how the money is spent. A council survey running until the end of August will give the board a picture of what matters most to local people.

To find it online, go to https://haveyoursay.sheffield.gov.uk/pride-in-place-parson-cross-and-foxhill

The park has already benefited from a refurbished pavilion, new football and rugby pitch perimeter fencing, a illuminated artificial grass Cruyff Court for multi-sport use and extensive tree planting.

The cricket petition, started by Aneesh John Varkey, runs until August 16.