Work has started on the new Sir Vivian Richards Gates which are being built at the Priory Bridge entrance to the County Ground in Taunton.

The new gates will replace the old wooden structures and will also incorporate new pedestrian turnstiles, which will be the main point of entry from the River Tone end of the County Ground.

It is expected that the new gates will be officially opened and dedicated to the honour of one of the county's greatest players during the Queen's Golden Jubilee Day on May 12th.

This is the next phase of a considerable programme of work that is being undertaken at the County Ground during the winter which is costing in excess of £250,000.

Work has already started on providing turnstiles and replacing the old walls at the St James Street entrance, and a new toilet block has been built behind the Old Pavilion along with improvements to the toilets at the Coal Orchard side of the ground.

Somerset Cricket Development Officer Andrew Moulding told me: "We applied to Sport England for a Lottery Grant under the safer sports ground programme, which covers making grounds more safe for members and spectators, and addresses public health improvements.

"This has included drainage work, fitting safety barriers, replacement toilet blocks, new access arrangements and trunstiles into the ground.We have replaced corrugated asbestos roofing, and are rebuilding the dangerous boundary wall in St James Street. We are also making safety improvements to the Ridley Stand and resurfacing much of the ground.

"Overall the cost of the work is in excess of £1/4 million, which has been part grant funded by the safer sports ground scheme."

It is expected that all of the work will be completed in time for the Cidermen's first home fixture of the season on April 30th when they entertain Glamorgan in the Benson and Hedges Cup.

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