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

Haworth Cricket Club is based in the heart of Bronte Country, and the club house has its own bar which has been open since 2011.

This May there was a break in attempt at the club house, when a double door was smashed and a window broken.

It was the latest in a series of break in attempts at the building, which is on the outskirts of the town, off West Lane and on the edge of the Haworth Conservation Area. Other incidents had seen burglars steal alcohol and keys from the club house, as well as damaging doors and windows.

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

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

Planning officers have now approved these plans.

Cricket clubs in Bradford district hit by steady rise in crime at their grounds

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 Co-Op store in Queensbury was once business to be refused such permission.

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 the numerous instances they had been called to the club house.

Incidents listed by police were:

May 24 - “suspects unknown attacked the club house using unknown tool and smash the double door without gaining entry. Suspect(s) then prize open small double glazed window to the side of the door.”

October 4 2017 - “Suspect(s) unknown force the locks on the UPVC door and enter bar and removal alcohol. Keys are also taken for the outbuildings”

May 31 2017 - Theft from vehicle vehicle car parked outside of cricket club whereby implement used to smash rear drivers side window and handbag is stolen from within the vehicle.”

September 13 2016 - “Suspects approach front of cricket club and attack euro profile lock the handle is not snapped, the suspect/s gain access into the building via a small window, once inside search carried out and property removed from the building using cricket bags. Egress via snapping euro cylinder lock.”

Lisa Reardon, a Designing Out Crime officer for West Yorkshire Police, said: “I don’t think that (the shutters) detract from the look of the building and installing shutters will provide additional security for the club house 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 the Telegraph & Argus reported how there had been a rise in crimes targeting local cricket clubs in recent years.