MIDDLETON: Chairman’s plea after cricket pavilion blaze

Wirksworth and Middleton Cricket Club’s pavilion, off Porter Lane in Middleton, was already burnt to a cinder when crews arrived at the scene in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Chairman, Sue Marshall, said: “It looks like a bomb has hit it. It is burnt to the ground.

“We are devastated by this fire. Everything has gone. This is where our youngsters play.

“If anyone can help with temporary accommodation or portaloos we would be very grateful. We have lost everything - cricket equipment, chairs, tables, all our catering equipment - plates, mugs, cutlery - it will take money and time to replace it all. If anyone can help, please we need your help. We are all volunteers.”

The site, which is the second ground for Wirksworth and Middleton Cricket Club, is used for youth matches and for the third team home fixtures. It is also used in the winter by The Albion Football Club.

“Our first task is to rearrange fixtures so that we can continue to play cricket” she added. “The club has been in existence since 1889 and we are absolutely determined to continue to play cricket there, but this is a major setback.”

An investigation into the fire by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service proved inconclusive.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police said they are awaiting a report from the fire service so they can determine if the fire was started deliberately.