RAMSBOTTOM Cricket Club is hoping rain won't stop play this season.

The club lost vital points last year when the summer rain led to continuous flooding of the pitch. In desperation, club officials enlisted MP David Chaytor to help them take on the elements.

Groundsman Mr Mike Carter said: "Flooding has become a serious problem over the last five years, but things really came to a head last season when we were forced to cancel matches.

"We contacted Mr Chaytor last November because we weren't getting anywhere with the Environment Agency."

Mr Chaytor visited the ground to see for himself the extent of the problem caused by the River Irwell overflowing.

"I contacted the Environment Agency after the cricket club contacted me in desperation. I was told work will start in March," said Mr Chaytor.

"The problem is that the river is eroding the banking. Last year the flood waters nearly reached the pavilion and the social club. If they had, they could have destroyed the club facilities, also used by many community groups. The work the Environment Agency is planning will therefore benefit the whole of Ramsbottom."

Mr Chaytor concluded: "The work is essential, regardless of whether the cricket club is there or not, because the land is being swept away by the river. After seeing the extent of the problem, I will again contact the agency to ensure work will go ahead as planned."

Mr Carter said he hoped flood defences would be put in place by the start of the season, which gets under way over the Easter weekend.