An historic cricket club has said play will continue despite closing its club house for repairs to stop it from sinking into the ground.
Doubt was cast over the future of Sutton Cricket Club after leaseholders Nuffield Health, which runs Cannons fitness club from the site, said they would close the building from October 1 to carry out “significant repair”.
Fears were heightened when the company sent a letter to members inviting them to a free upgrade at another gym in town.
But a Nuffield Health spokesman has insisted the cricket club, which was officially formed in 1857 and has run from Gander Green Lane since 1858, was not under any threat.
He said: “The cricket club will carry on as it is.
“The land is owned by the cricket club, but that doesn’t matter because Cannons and Nuffield Health are fully committed to the end of the lease which runs until 2051.
“We’re committed to doing everything under the current contract, including payments, The work is not being paid for by the cricket club.
“The plan is for the health club to come back to the site, but a precise reopening date is unknown.”
Sutton Cricket Club are currently celebrating a season of triumph after their first and second XIs claimed their respective ECB Surrey Premiership titles.
Club spokesman Mike Woods said any rumours that the club would suffer financially from the closure were incorrect.
He said the team would be able to use the club’s changing rooms and bar on pre-agreed match days and expected the building and fitness club to reopen in April.
He said: “There will be no financial burden or impact on the cricket club.
“It is the main part of the health centre that is being worked on. Work is being carried out because there has been a slight subsidence.
“Cannons have closed their operation for six months to carry out repair work; this is taking place when the cricket season is finished.
“But the club will function as normal and when needed, will be able to use the changing rooms. Nothing is fundamentally changing in the cricket club.”
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