Work to repair Carlisle’s storm hit cricket pavilion has been put on hold.

Carlisle Cricket Club, at Edenside, was badly damaged during Storm Ciara at the start of last month.

Work had already begun to reinstate it and the grounds, to ensure they were ready for the start of the new season.

However, chairman Mike Rayson confirmed on Saturday that all such repairs had been halted.

In an open letter, he said: “2020 has thrown so much at Carlisle Cricket Club, none of which we have had any control over.

“However, it would be extremely remiss of me to not mention the unbelievable work of David Reed and Colin West in their efforts to reinstate the pavilion after the floods.

“Thank you gents; we as a club owe you a huge debt of gratitude.”

Mr Rayson continued: “I believe that the current situation - Covid-19 - is a totally different ball game.

“We have agreed that until the Covid-19 situation is over and the Government permits non-essential works, no work will be carried out on either the pavilion or playing area at Edenside.

“I, as chairman, with agreement of the officers, cannot countenance any works that will put any members’ health at risk.

“You may have seen on social media other clubs doing work on their grounds which they deem essential. However, at Carlisle, we feel it is always better to protect the health of our members and we feel it is right to follow Government guidelines re non-essential work.”