Disappointed Saltaire Cricket Club officials are seeking a meeting with Shipley MP Chris Leslie following the rejection of their £160,000 lottery bid.

News that their application for money to upgrade facilities at the Roberts Park ground was turned down is a severe blow to the Bradford League club.

Chairman Jeff Driver said: "What we were asking for was not over the top. We were not trying to get more than we needed. We felt it was a realistic bid.

"One of the things we needed was electricity. If that isn't one of the basic necessities of life, I don't know what is.

"Until we get electricity we can't do much to improve the place."

Mr Driver said the club - which helped develop cricket legend Jim Laker - needed better toilets and showers, a kitchen in the pavilion, umpire's room and new score box. Cash is also needed to improve the Half Moon Caf where the club serves teas.

He added: "Now, we have got to get in touch with Chris Leslie. We need to know what sort of help is available."

A spokesman for the National Lottery Sports Council said it had held discussions with the cricket club in the hope that it would re-submit its bid.

A spokesman said: "They are competing in an increasingly competitive market where we have requests for four times as much money than is available to give out."

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