TATA to help Winnington Park Cricket Club with sinkhole repairs

Winnington Park Cricket Club’s training facilities were badly damaged after an underground leak caused a sinkhole to open up by the practice nets.

Thankfully, next door neighbours, TATA Chemicals Europe, have agreed to help the club get back on its feet as they look ahead to the 2025 season.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Winnington Park Cricket Club and TATA Chemicals Europe have held a constructive meeting that has led to a positive outcome.

“The two organisations will now work together to ensure the community cricket club has an artificial practice facility in place for the start of the 2025 cricket season.”

Damage caused by the sinkhole (Image: Winnington Park Cricket Club)

Winsford Park Cricket Club is more than 125 years old and currently has around 175 playing members.

The sinkhole first appeared last month, caused by a leak from a pipe belonging to TATA.

It damaged the club’s training facilities, which members had fundraised £30,000 to purchase and install.

MP for Mid Cheshire Andrew Cooper liaised with United Utilities, the Environment Agency and TATA to stop the leak and prevent further damage.

Earlier this month, he visited the club where TATA confirmed they would be contributing towards the cost of the repairs.

Andrew Cooper MP (left) met with representatives of the cricket club and TATA earlier this month (Image: Andrew Cooper)

“Last week I held discussions with the cricket club and TATA, during which TATA agreed to assist financially with the repairs,” Mr Cooper said.

“This is a fantastic outcome after what has no doubt been a worrying time for the club, and we all hope the practice nets can be available for use again next year.”

TATA Chemicals Europe has been approached for comment.