Two prominent sporting bodies in Hitchin have now submitted their planning application to North Herts District Council in a bid to safeguard the future of sport at Lucas Lane.

Blueharts Hockey Club and Hitchin Town Cricket Club Ltd are proposing to use the proceeds from the sale of a small strip of land they own to provide funding for an artificial pitch and a modern clubhouse at Lucas Lane.

A spokesman for Blueharts explained: “This will enable us to return to play at Lucas Lane, which we believe is essential for the sporting future of the site.

“There will be sporting and community benefits to this.

“We have also had a comprehensive statement of support from Sport England and support from the England and Wales Cricket Board, and England Hockey.

“A land sale is the only viable means of funding the proposed facilities.

“We also have an independent traffic report which shows winter use will not exceed current summer peak.”