MORE than 26,500 people have signed a petition after cricket was banned at a Dorset pitch for the first time in more than 100 years after complaints from neighbours.

In December, committee members at Colehill Sports and Social Club, in Wimborne, voted to stop hosting adult cricket indefinitely at the site – prompting reacton from around the world, including from celebrities such as TV star, Piers Morgan.

The move means Colehill Cricket Club, which was gifted the site as part of a covenant, is now facing homelessness.

At the time of writing, a petition launched protesting the decision had reached more than 26,500 signatures.

The petition said: “This (the ban) was under pressure from a small number of neighbours who had recently moved into houses bordering the cricket ground.

“Cricket has been played there over 100 years before they moved in.

“Colehill Cricket Club has formed part of the community for many years. The ground was gifted to the club under the covenant cricket was played at the ground.

“In recent years it has been home to Wimborne and Colehill teams. Clubs that strive to bring local young players through their teams and benefit the community of Colehill. Many new movers to Colehill during Covid-19 have got involved in the sides.”

It said a proposal to build a fence to prevent balls entering neighbours’ gardens had been abandoned due to cost.

“We understand risk exists when cricket is played but believe a more pragmatic approach could be taken to resolve the dispute,” it added.

“We believe the decision to ban adult cricket is not a proportionate response to the risk involved.

“We do not believe the community interest and history of cricket in the village has been taken into account properly and hope this petition will demonstrate its value to the local community.”

It urges people to sign in the hope of ‘resolving the issue and ensuring cricket in the village can continue’.

Talk show host Mr Morgan, a cricket fan himself, said: “Imagine buying a house bordering a cricket ground then moaning about the odd flying ball?

“These pathetic home-owners should be told to stick their complaints up their whiny killjoy backsides.”

He urged people to ‘save’ the club and to sign the petition, which can be found at https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-cricket-in-colehill.

There has also been a crowd funder set up too, which can be found at
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-adult-cricket-at-colehill?fbclid=IwAR3LwjCSZ0SEvkdp3nuzh7oZ5Peua9R41NJmabkgnzXXXcaLUBqzwz3fBc8

Imagine buying a house bordering a cricket ground then moaning about the odd flying ball? These pathetic home-owners should be told to stick their complaints up their whiny killjoy backsides. Save @ColehillMCC – please sign the petition. 👇👇 https://t.co/I1KHUG4jf6

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 10, 2023