FURY from Bradford on Avon residents over plans to build cricket lanes with a 4m high net has forced the bid to be withdrawn.

Recently the Bradford cricket club and town council put in a bid for a three-lane artificial cricket net at the Culver Close field.

Dozens of locals had voiced their objections to the plans with a common theme being the loss of green space.

One resident, Mike Derrick has said that the town council has failed to follow the “proper procedures” with the plans.

Mr Derrick says the councillors told the public that plans for the cricket lanes should have gone to a full council meeting.

“Where it would be proposed and decided on whether or not it was necessary,” he said. “And if it was necessary where the best place to put it would be.

“Where they’re proposing to put it is right next to the houses we live in – it’s the most inappropriate place.

“It could be put in a far better place on the field away from the living accommodation.”

Mr Derrick says he is also concerned that the field is meant as a recreation ground and that it is fast edging out other possible activities for cricket.

One objector, Brian Ellis wrote: “I’m surprised that a small minority group (cricket club) are selfish enough to attempt an effective takeover of what I believe to be public land, with a negative impact on the amenity and activity of the wider community.”

Former councillor, Mike Roberts, said the plans should be rejected on the grounds that there are already plans underway to upgrade the field for all users. Now, the town council says the plans have been withdrawn for the controversial cricket nets.

A spokesman for the authority said: “This will then give the opportunity for the cricket club to undertake further consultation on the options and explain the reasoning for the provision of cricket nets.”

The cricket club says the new facility is urgently due to a surge in youth membership.

Though in the minority, many others voiced their approval for the development citing how it would help “hundreds or thousands” of potential future cricketers and would keep youngsters happy and healthy.