ASHBURTON’S MP AND MAYOR have visited the town’s cricket club to lend their support to their crowdfunding appeal after successive break-ins caused more than £2,000 worth of damage. Central Devon MP Mel Stride and Ashburton Town Mayor Sarah Parker-Khan met with first team batsman Lloyd White, who recently became the only cricketer to have scored two double hundreds in the Devon Cricket League. His 212 against Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough helped Ashburton to 515-6; the highest ever total in the history of the Devon Cricket League.

Lloyd explained:

“The break-ins are the first we have experienced in about 15 years but they’ve really hurt us. We hope to recover some of the costs through our insurance but the insurance excesses, likely increase in future premiums and gap between what we might get back for the old machinery compared to what new machinery will cost, will leave a big hole in the club’s finances. We’ve been really touched by the support from members, neighbouring clubs and the wider community, with 20 contributions worth £540 so far - we’re hoping to reach £1000.”

Mr Stride, who kindly made a personal donation to the appeal, said:

“The cricket club is a huge part of the community in Ashburton, offering more than 80 youngsters a safe and enjoyable place to play a great sport, and anyone who wants to help the club out can visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/acc-break-in.”

The income raised from the appeal will go towards repairing some of the damage but also towards the purchase of CCTV cameras, improved motion sensitive lighting and a full alarm system to help improve future security. The local police will also be regularly using the club to train their canine unit.

www.melstridemp.com