Harpenden Cricket Club say the official opening of their new nets is just a small part of their plans to increase cricket opportunities to people of the town.

The facilities at the club’s home on Harpenden Common were completed in May and will give all players in the club chances to play.

Club president Geoff Newman said: “The new nets, which were completed in May, are part of a longer-term refurbishment project and we’ve had tremendous support from the Harpenden Trust, the ECB and club members.

“They are just part of our development plans, the next phase is to build a new cricket pavilion for our players. The nets will be used by all members for practice sessions throughout the year when weather permits.

“We have six Saturday sides in the Saracens Hertfordshire Premier Cricket League, two adult Sunday sides and over 300 junior and 100 senior members and they have enjoyed tremendous success over the years.”

Jan Seager from the Harpenden Trust said: “The club is an integral part of our community activities and it brings so much enjoyment to many people, both players and spectators alike, during the summer months.

“We are happy to give the Club our continuing support and we share in their success every season.

“We have a lot of committed players and I’m especially delighted at seeing so many young people taking up this fantastic sport.”

Bruce Cruse, ECB head of participation, said: “Projects like this are a part of our plans to grow the game, get a bat and ball in more hands and ensure that cricket is a sport that is accessible for everyone.

“Having a new two lane nets facility will help improve the practice facilities at Harpenden Cricket Club and mean that the club can provide their community with more opportunities to play the game in a way and a time that suits them.”