PLANS have been submitted for new changing facilities at a popular cricket club.

Bishop Auckland Cricket Club received a Sport England grant for more than £53,000 last year after submitting an application to help fund improved changing rooms and a modernised kitchen and bar area.

If planning permission is granted, the refurbishment will be made up of internal alterations as there are no plans for an extension.

The work will comprise of an upgrade to the shower and changing facilities, additional umpire dressing rooms and an office and kitchen.

The improvements will enable them to attract more members and also invite schools to use the facilities for cricket sessions or for sports days – which is what the nearby King James I Academy did this year.

The club hopes to invite local businesses for matches and also visit areas like Coundon and Shildon to see if people are interested in getting involved.

Bishop Auckland CC 1st XI play in division one of the NYSD Premier League and the 2nd XI are in division three.

The club also runs a senior Sunday team and a number of junior sides.

Work is expected to begin once permission is granted and would be completed in time for the new cricket season in the summer.

Durham County Council’s planning officers will make a decision on the application in due course.