Southend may be about to lose one of its most popular annual sporting events - with vandalism being a major cause of the loss if it happens.
For the death knell of the Southend Cricket Festival could be sounded tonight with Southchurch Park losing its First Class status.
The Essex Cricket Committee is due to meet to decide the future not only of the Southend festival but also those at Ilford's Valentine's Park and Colchester's Castle Park.
It was thought at one time that Ilford was odds-on favourite to get the chop next season, particularly after the five-day festival there in June showed a loss of around £3,000 - despite a £10,000 handout from Redbridge Council.
Southchurch, with similar financial aid from Southend Council, just about broke even on their festival week of last month, while Colchester is expected to again make a profit - thanks largely to the expected support for yesterday's day-night clash with Gloucestershire.
That suggests that Southend or Ilford will miss out on next season's fixture lists and Valentine Park is favourite to emerge the survivor for three reasons.
Firstly the local council is believed to be willing to make good any loss. Secondly there is a strong feeling for the need to keep a ground close to London and its large catchment area. And lastly the problem with vandalism experienced at Southchurch.
Last month several hundred pounds worth of damage was done and this, despite the fact that the County spends around £6,000 on security - three times as much as that needed to protect Valentine Park.
It would certainly be a tragedy if Southchurch Park was to miss out, especially as it is a venue where Don Bradman and his great Australian side of 1948 scored a massive 721 in a day.
On the other hand, the Ilford ground is also steeped in history and it is where the likes of Essex and England stars such as Graham Gooch, Nasser Hussain and John Lever cut their cricketing teeth as youngsters.
But the stark fact remains that in the current economic climate there is little room for sentiment, particularly as each Festival venue costs in excess of £40,000 to set-up.
More on Essex County Cricket Club
Published Wednesday August 28, 2002
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