CRICKETERS are worried that the loss of their storage hut in an arson attack and proposals to redevelop their ground could leave them looking for a new home.

CRICKETERS are worried that the loss of their storage hut in an arson attack and proposals to redevelop their ground could leave them looking for a new home.

Members of the Felixstowe Corinthians are seeking talks with Suffolk Coastal council and the newly-formed West End Play community group to discuss their concerns.

The council has offered the club, which has been running since 1952, a two-year extension to its lease at Coronation Park Sports Ground, off Mill Lane, Felixstowe.

However, officials at the club are worried because it does not give them long enough security and not a strong enough tenure to persuade lottery chiefs to give them grant aid for a new building.

Now West End Play is trying to raise �50,000 to create new play and adventure facilities for youngsters aged eight to 13.

Chris Bettin, a member of the Corinthians committee and vice captain of the second team, said the club was concerned about its future and seeking a meeting with everyone involved with the sports field.

“I am sure we would get behind the plan to provide extra facilities for children but we also want to carry on playing cricket there,” he said.

“The field is used for rugby and football, too, and informal play, and a meeting is needed so everyone can sit down together and discuss the future and how we might make the best use of the site.

“Cricket takes up a lot of space and we need to be able to play safely. We also do coaching sessions for youngsters and it would be awful to take that away and move us off simply to make way for something else for the children.”

West End Play has drawn up some ideas but as yet nothing firm has been agreed. It is gathering residents' views.

What should Coronation Park be used for? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk