Danbury Parish Council Bans Adult Hard-Ball Cricket After Injury Incident

Cricket has been permanently banned at Dawson Memorial Field in Danbury, Essex, a village where the sport has been played since at least 1799, following an incident in May where a passer-by was hit on the leg by a cricket ball. Danbury Parish Council, acting on professional and legal advice, decided that no adult hardball cricket could be played at the pitch for the foreseeable future, citing safety concerns and the high cost of installing protective nets estimated at around £100,000. The ban affects three local clubs—Danbury, Tuskers, and Oaklands—which have been forced to find alternative venues, although suitable grounds in the area are scarce. Rory Carlton, secretary of Danbury Cricket Club, described the decision as an "absolute tragedy" and emphasized the loss to the village's community and recreational life. The council disputes characterizing the decision as a ban but acknowledges the current suspension and says any future applications to reinstate cricket will be reviewed. The editor-in-chief of Wisden Cricket Monthly criticized the move as "another story of English Nimbyism," warning it sets a dangerous precedent for community sports.