Alsager Cricket Club has welcomed the news that it has been given permission to extend the hard surface patio area at the back.

The Wilbrahams Way club applied to Cheshire East Council's planning department to extend the existing hard surface patio to the rear of the club.

The club was given approval for the plan as we revealed here provided it uses materials in accordance with those specified in the application unless different materials are first agreed in writing and started work within three years of the date of the planning permission.

Club chairman, Alan Stancliffe, said the club hoped to start work at the end of October and have it completed by mid-November.

He said this part of the club was looking tired with broken paving slabs and furniture which needed modernising.

"It will make a huge difference to what we can offer to the community regarding watching games and supporting their children," he said.

He added: "As a progressive club who have just modernised the interior of the clubhouse, we thought it was time to provide upgraded external facilities for our members and the many community guests that we continue to attract.

"We have taken advantage of an ECB grant that was awarded to clubs for improving facilities for our junior parents who watch their children playing and training at the club."