A CRICKET club hit by several burglary attempts has been given permission to install security shutters.

In May, there was an attempted break-in at the Haworth Cricket Club clubhouse, when a double door was smashed and a window broken.

It was the latest in a series of burglary attempts at the building, which is off West Lane and on the edge of the Haworth Conservation Area.

Other incidents had seen raiders steal alcohol and keys from the clubhouse, as well as causing damage.

To tackle the problem, the club applied to Bradford Council for planning permission to install security shutters on the windows and doors of the building.

It follows a number of other security measures implemented by the club.

Planning officers have now approved the plans.

Approval was not a foregone conclusion, as the council has recently refused a number of applications for security shutters on businesses, saying they have a “deadening effect” on the surrounding area.

The club’s application had said the building was run by volunteers, and the break-ins had put strain on the club and its members.

West Yorkshire Police were consulted on the application, and had informed planners of numerous instances they had been called to the clubhouse.

Lisa Reardon, a designing out crime officer for West Yorkshire Police, said: “I don’t think the shutters detract from the look of the building and installing shutters will provide additional security for the clubhouse which it needs especially when the location is quite secluded.”

Planning officers said: “Whilst the use of lattice-type or brick bond shutters would be preferable – solid shutters can have a ‘deadening’ effect – in this instance and given the quite isolated location with limited public viewpoints of the building, it is felt that the shutters will not impact to any significant degree on the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

Last year it was reported how there had been a rise in crimes targeting local cricket clubs in recent years.