CRICKETERS at Ropley, near Alresford, will have to do without a pavilion this season.

After serving the village's sporting needs since the early 'Sixties, the building was demolished this week to make way for a new one.

The parish council-backed project is expected to cost close on £300,000, with more than half the funding being raised within the community.

Sport England made a grant of £135,000 and East Hants District Council contributed £25,000, while Hampshire Playing Fields will be giving £2,500 on completion.

"It looks enormous and it will be a lot bigger than the old pavilion, but we have to meet the criteria laid down by Sport England for funding," said Elaine Constable, chairman of the New Pavilion Committee.

"It will be an asset to everyone. As well as cricket, football and tennis, we have walking and cycling groups waiting in the wings, with darts, golf and other societies needing a new home."

Elaine added that cricketers were being advised to arrive in flannels because of the lack of changing facilities this season. However, the adjacent Scout Hut was being made available for teas and toilets.