A HAMPSHIRE cricket club has been forced to close its pavilion on the eve of the new season because of an asbestos scare.

Fareham and Crofton Cricket Club took action after traces of the deadly substance were found in the building.

The 100-year-old pavilion in Bath Lane has been sealed off after the highly toxic material was detected within its walls during a routine council survey.

The club, which has more than 80 members in colts and senior teams, has had to cancel a host of upcoming matches while experts treat the premises.

The find could not have come at a worse time for the club, which is gearing up for the start of the season and league matches starting on May 7.

A club spokesman said: "There is an issue at the pavilion with asbestos. We've got a match coming up this Saturday and we've got no changing facilities for the players. We've already had to cancel some of our matches over the next few weeks."

Council officers said they found the asbestos during a routine survey carried out annually on council-owned buildings.

The Bath Lane pavilion dates back to 1905, when it was built by members of Fareham Cricket Club.

In recent years it was also used by the Fareham Town football club and Fareham Hockey Club.

Council officers say there has been no sign of the asbestos in previous checks.

Head of estates at Fareham Council Graham Lloyd said: "During the course of the council asbestos survey asbestos was identified and remedial works are in hand to remove it as quickly as possible.

"We have had to close it as it would not be right for the council to keep it open knowing there was asbestos inside."