THE county’s cricket clubs have received £250,000 in support to help them through the coronavirus pandemic.

Several schemes were launched in April in a bid to ease the financial burden caused by the unprecedented lockdown.

Revenue streams were shut down for months and Oxfordshire Cricket has announced 41 clubs have successfully applied for funding from the government, Sport England and the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Depending on their circumstances, the amounts received range between £1,000 and £17,000.

Other applications are pending, so the £251,089 total is due to increase.

Ashley Rump, participation and growth manager at Oxfordshire Cricket, said: “Even though club cricket is back and everyone is finally enjoying playing again, the funding support for clubs will continue, especially around end of season pitch renovations and Covid-19  adaptations.

“It is extremely important that clubs are supported financially through to next season so they can continue to play a big part in their communities as the full impact of the pandemic is still unknown.”     

Liam Richards, chairman at East & West Hendred said:  “The £3,000 grant we received is such a boost and enables us to remain stable in these difficult times.”   

Andrew Hodder-Williams, Cumnor’s treasurer, said: “The loan we received from the ECB Emergency Loan Scheme, supported by Oxfordshire Cricket – along with a grant from the local council – provided us with security through short-term revenue shortfalls, and then confidence to invest in Covid secure measures and an adjusted youth programme.”