Lancashire League: Lowerhouse lease of life

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph
31 December 1998



Lowerhouse Cricket Club are stepping up their bid to extend the lease on their Liverpool Road ground.

Chairman David Wren confirmed to the club's members at the Annual General Meeting last night that negotiations are currently taking place with the Dugdale family, the owners of the ground, in regard to the lease which runs out next year.

Secretary Keith Fairclough confirmed: ``We are in negotiations with the Dugdale family and have made them an offer but as yet we have not had a reply.

``Ideally, we would like to buy it but if that isn't possible then we hope to negotiate a long-term lease.''

Meanwhile, the club blamed a fall in bar revenue, fewer people through the gate and a drop in sponsorship for a 27 per cent reduction in turnover last season.

Questions were also raised about a sum of money owed to the club by a previous professional amounting to £1,251.

Wren refused to go into full details but said the debt had now been written off.

Two committees will also be set up next season, one responsible for operational duties and another to oversee the cricketing side of things.

``We are looking to attract new members to help us with all aspects of running the club,'' said Fairclough.

``But we particularly need help in attracting new sponsors.''


Source: The Lancashire Evening Telegraph