PENDLE’S cricketers are set to be bowled over by the new and improved cricket wicket in Nelson.

The enhanced pitch at Swinden playing fields was launched yesterday at an official opening.

And the borough council is hoping the revamp of will give players a better sporting experience and even encourage new players to come and have a go at the sport.

Swinden playing fields has been looking shabby for a number of years and one particularly damaged and aged wicket has now been replaced by a better quality synthetic surface.

The replacement has been made possible thanks to a successful bid to Nelson Area Committee which funded the £4,400 project.

The cost includes replacing the damaged wicket and the relining of the new cricket wicket.

The new, more durable wicket is said to be much easier for Pendle Council to maintain. Coun Nadeem Ahmed, executive member for parks and recreation, said: “The old cricket wicket was worn and in a poor state.

Cricket pitches at Swinden playing fields are used regularly, particularly on summer evenings, and I wanted to help find funding to replace the old cricket wicket with something more durable.”

The two grass cricket squares at Swinden Playing Fields are extremely popular and used from May through to September by the Pendle District Cricket League on Sundays.

The two synthetic cricket wickets that have been upgraded are for more informal or casual use.

They are available to use free of charge throughout the year apart from when there are organised football or cricket games, and can be used for an organised game if clubs or leagues want them.