Cricketers hit for six by homes

The cricket club said activities such as junior coaching may be hit

A cricket club faces an £11,000 bill for a fence to prevent sixes hitting new homes neighbouring its ground.

The Pontarddulais club near Swansea has been told by insurers it must erect the 5m barrier to protect the new development.

But officials say they have played at the ground for 100 years so builders Persimmon Homes should foot the bill.

The company said at no time when it was seeking planning consent was it ever suggested it should fund the screen.

John Evans, a trustee at the club, said: "It will be £11,000 that will not be available for the things we do now like coaching youngsters, developing the ground and keeping it tidy.

We cannot be held responsible for the safe keeping of their ground Sharon Robinson, Persimmon Homes

"Maybe we have got to go for one groundsmen instead of two - we have got to do things to cut back.

"We have played cricket here for 100 years - it's really bad we have got to spend the money we have got and anything we can raise or borrow to make the £11,000."

Sharon Robinson, sales director for Persimmon Homes Wales, said when it was granted planning permission by Swansea Council the issue was never raised.

"Whilst we understand the frustration of the nearby cricket club, we cannot be held responsible for the safe keeping of their ground," she said.

"We pride ourselves on supporting the communities in which we build - at the time of the agreement with the local authority we pledged £200,000 for the provision of local community benefits."