We are an entirely amateur cricket club , established around 1889 , and we run 2 weekend teams in the Durham & North East Cricket League, and one team in the North East Midweek Cricket League. At the moment , we operate on an annual licence basis with the local Council. Our ground is open to , and used by , the local population for general recreational purposes , dog walking etc. We have very basic facilities because it is not currently possible to keep equipment safe and secure. We have changing rooms , but no bar. We therefore have no means of raising any substantial amounts of money to fund any improvements to the ground. It is therefore very difficult to establish a junior section , which will eventually feed into the 1st and 2nd team structure. We are aware that the long term aim of the City Council is to hand on the responsibility for sports facilities to interested parties , in the form of leases rather than licenses. They have already started this process with rival clubs.

What we'll deliver:

• buy the lease to the ground
• buy a replacement roller
• erect some protection for the surrounding housing

Why it's a great idea:

Belmont Cricket Club has been in existence for at least 130 years. Many small cricket clubs are disappearing , because of competing interests for younger players , lack of funding and because there are fewer volunteers to keep clubs going. The growth area in cricket is from ladies teams and the South Asian community. We have no ladies or junior section , but we do have a number of members from the South Asian community. The larger clubs , which can provide coaching and facilities , are getting larger , but the smaller clubs are dying. We don't want to be one of these dying clubs. We still want to be around in another 130 years.

Steps to get it done:

• Establish communication with the City Council , with the help of Durham Cricket Club officers.