AN innovative project to make the most of rainwater – and cut utility bills – has been carried out at Barnard Castle Cricket Club.
Officials decided action had to be taken to cut the amount they were paying for water – both to keep the square in tip-top condition and in the running of the clubhouse.
They decided to install a rainwater harvesting system to irrigate the ground and provide water to flush the toilets in the club.
The project grew from support at the Durham County Council’s Business Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP).
A specialist company has been working with the club on the installation of a 15,000 litre tank, sunk into ground adjacent to the clubhouse, along with all associated plumbing and electrical work.
The tank is fed by the main overflow pipes from the club’s rainwater capture drains.
One outflow point will see water pumped from the main tank to irrigate the square and outfield when required.
A second exit point pumps water into the clubhouse to a smaller 450 litre tank, which then distributes water for flushing purposes only.
If the 15,000 litre tank is filled to capacity an overflow process manages any excess rainwater.
In all, the project is costing £13,105. The club has received £2,500 from BEEP plus £5,000 from section 106 funding – money generated through housing schemes built in the town – and £750 from the Rothley Trust.
Barnard Castle’s four county councillors have contributed £4,856 from their neighbourhood budgets – Cllr James Rowlandson £1,456; Cllr George Richardson £400; Cllr Ted Henderson £1,500; and Cllr Richard Bell £1,500.
The club also received £2,484 from both Cllr Rowlandson and Cllr Richardson towards the cost of new fencing along the Vere Road side of the ground. The club contributed almost £500 towards the fencing project.
