The next stage of our maintenance programme is the paving and concrete hardstanding around the pavilion. Several very dry summers have taken their toll. The ground around the pavilion has heaved and subsided, and in places the surface now sits up to four inches below its originally finished level. Broken, uneven paving is a trip hazard, and it is important we get remedial works completed before the start of the new season.

Patching won't work. We are removing the damaged paving and concrete, along with the old substrate, across the front of the pavilion and along the garage side. In its place we are laying a new base that is deeper and more substantial than the original, with fresh surfaces on top.

A stronger base won't make the ground immune to dry weather, but it should greatly reduce the risk of further movement and give us surfaces that last.

Work is in progress, but we still aim to complete the outfield equipment clearance this coming weekend.