FLOURISHING Grayswood Club is celebrating having secured its future “for many years to come.”

Waverley Borough Council’s decision-making executive have granted a lease extension of 40 years for the village green.

The club currently uses the ground under the terms of a 10-year lease, which was due to expire in November.

Having greater long-term security will enable it to apply for grant funding and make improvements.

Part of Grayswood Green, including some of the cricket ground outfield, is owned by the National Trust but managed by Waverley Borough Council, which will continue to maintain it.

The cricket club will remain responsible for the upkeep of the cricket square, practice nets and score box.

Club treasurer Nick Burrows, said: “Naturally we are delighted to have the lease extension agreed.

“This will ensure the club is able to continue to provide the local community with the means and opportunity to participate in cricket, across our vibrant youth and senior sections, for many years to come.”

Haslemere councillor Ged Hall, who is Waverley’s portfolio holder for finance and communications, said: “Grayswood Green lies at the heart of one of the borough’s most attractive and peaceful villages.

“We are happy that by increasing the length of the lease we can help to ensure that village cricket continues to be a fixture here and that the club will be able to keep improving the facilities for future players.”

Alfold councillor Kevin Deanus, Waverley portfolio holder for community services, added: “Grayswood is a popular and well-supported local cricket club with a promising youth team.

“We’re delighted to give those young players the assurance that they’ll be able come here and hit the opposition for six for many years to come.”

Grayswood have won the l’Anson Cup two years in a row.