By Charles Randall

25 April 2012

The problem of flying six hits has been solved by the Thames Valley League club Bagshot CC, their local council and Whitbread in an exemplary manner by cost-sharing to protect vulnerable areas.

Surrey Heath Borough Council’s executive recently agreed a grant of £3,500 towards the cost of erecting high netting, estimated at about £10,000, to protect patrons of The Cricketers pub on nearby London Road, according to a report in the Surrey Advertiser.

Over the years the pub had grown in size to incorporate a Beefeater restaurant and Premier Inn hotel. After negotiations with the club, The Cricketers owner Whitbread agreed to pay £3,000 towards the netting costs, and Windlesham Parish Council weighed in with an extra £1,000.

The borough council had recommended more protection from the danger of cricket balls, which in former times had no more than smashed the odd roof tile. "Due to various extensions over the last 10 years, the hotel and its guests have growing concerns over their safety regarding cricket balls," a report said. "The club and community will be able to practice in a safer environment, and the owners of the adjacent property will be additionally protected, thereby reducing possible risk."

Jeremy Davis, Bagshot's chairman, said six metres had been agreed with Whitbread as an appropriate height, and planning permission specified that the netting had to be dark green or black. "We want to do the best for everybody," he said.

Funding found for safer sixes at Bagshot CC