Lancashire stay at Old Trafford

Lancashire's 141-year stay at Old Trafford will be extended

Lancashire have decided against moving from Old Trafford and will stay at their 141-year-old home.

The club had pondered moving to Wigan or east Manchester but now plan to redevelop their existing ground subject to Trafford Borough Council's approval.

"This is a stunning opportunity for us to get it right," business committee chairman Michael Cairns said.

Chairman and ex-player Jack Simmons added: "No-one is more pleased to be staying than me. It's fabulous news."

Old Trafford was overlooked for the 2009 Ashes series in favour of Cardiff's Sophia Gardens and the £25m cost of renovating it was one of the reasons the club looked at other options.

At the same time, the Lancashire hierarchy were also in talks with Trafford Borough Council about using part of the existing stadium for commercial use to help fund the massive redevelopment programme.

That plan has been boosted by the council's intention to move away from the town hall, which is close to the cricket ground.