WORK on the flood defences for Ilkley Cricket Club is progressing well.

In the last ten days the club now has a wall almost a meter high around the club. Three flood gates will need to be fitted at the access points and rendering to the exterior of the wall.

Brian Wheeler, Secretary, said: “Whilst we have a bit more confidence that the wall will do its job to act as a barrier for water entering the club our sincere hope and wish is that it is never put to the test! However, given the frequency of the rise and fall of the River Wharfe in recent times that expectation will probably be never realised. The club is now dry from its most recent flooding and internal refurbishment will gather pace in the new year. We will be ready for next season.’’

The club received generous grants of £4,000 each from Ilkley Town Council and Sport England to support the club’s own contribution to the cost of the protection.