Edgbaston Cricket Ground - Call for genuine consultation welcomed

10.03.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 30th Jun 2009

"Local residents have a right to expect genuine and meaningful consultation by Warwickshire County Cricket Club," says Councillor Dave Radcliffe.

Local Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that Birmingham City Council will only lend money to Warwickshire County Cricket Club for ground improvements at Edgbaston if certain conditions are met. This includes meaningful consultation with local residents on issues such as floodlighting, car parking and crowd management.

"We all want first class cricket to remain in Birmingham," said Councillor Dave Radcliffe. "But local residents have a right to expect genuine and meaningful consultation by Warwickshire County Cricket Club. The redevelopment of the Cricket Ground will have a major impact on their lives."

Birmingham City Council's Cabinet agreed on Monday 29 July 2009 to approve the grant of a loan subject if the Cricket Club received detailed planning permission subject to meaningful consultation with local residents and a detailed business case. In particular, the Cricket Club has been asked to:

• evaluate the proposed scheme against the minimum improvements needed to retain test match status;

• confirm the affordability of the scheme and the Club's ability to repay the loan;

• fully justify the proposal for floodlights and consider retractable floodlighting.