The renovation of the Crown Oil Arena pitch is now into its fifth week.
Head Groundsman Richard Blackburn has updated us on the works of the previous fortnight.
“Unfortunately, the wet weather means work has been slow and steady, putting us slightly behind schedule.
“The levels for the new subsurface are now correct and we have also been able to install the main drain in front of the Sandy Lane stand, as well as the new silt trap in the corner of the Sandy and Willbutts Lane stands.
“With a spell of dry weather, which we should hopefully see next week, the new drains will be able to be installed in a matter of days. Once they’re in, we can introduce the sand layer and stitch it in to help bind the surface with the roots.
“In the meantime, we have installed an ACO drain in front of the Main Stand (pictured above) which will help to drain any run off from that side of the pitch.
“The key now is to get those drains in, which will run from the Sandy Lane out towards the Pearl Street stand, and then we can begin to work on the top surface of the pitch.”