England Women's Cricket Team bowled over by Project Taunton

New hotels are what the England Women's Cricket Team would most like to see in the new Taunton. In a recent poll of the players, the decision to make Taunton the home of women's cricket proved a popular choice and all were supportive of the town's regeneration.

Asked to prioritise what they look for in cricketing locations, sports facilities and restaurants were also favourites of the players. However, perhaps surprisingly, local community was the fourth most favoured feature for a cricket location, ahead of shopping, pubs and parks.

Talking about the decision to make Taunton the home of women's cricket, bowler Stephanie Davies said, "It will be great to have high standard facilities in the South West, and hopefully it will benefit not only the England team, but also Somerset and get more young girls in the area involved in cricket."

17 year old spinner Holly Colvin, said, "It's going to be excellent as we will feel at home in Taunton, instead of using other people's facilities. Plus I feel it's the place where we attract the biggest crowds."

The expansion of the cricket ground is just one part of Project Taunton which will see major improvements for the commercial, residential and retail facilities in the town over the coming years. The aim of the regeneration is to boost business opportunity, build quality developments and create safe communities whilst maintaining Taunton's historic character.

Asked what they most like about Taunton, 25 year old batsman Caroline Atkins said, "It's pretty, has good shops and yet maintains a local feel." Isa Guha added, "Friendliness, most things are within walking distance, support and encouragement of women's cricket." While Lydia Greenway said, "The fact that it's not too big and busy, but at the same time it's got everything you need."

Talking about the new facilities for women's cricket in Taunton, Gill McConway executive director for women's cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board, said: "For me this is a huge step for the women's game - to have a first class county ground wanting women's cricket to be an integral part of their future is a definite boost. It's an especially exciting time as there are stunning new development plans for the ground and to be associated with one of England's most progressive county schemes can only benefit the game."

Robbie Lowes, project manager at Project Taunton was enthusiastic about the response from the cricket team. She said: "To be the home of women's cricket is a great accolade and one we are proud to represent. We are working closely with the cricket ground on the extension of its facilities which will be a great asset to the town and the sport."

To find out more about Project Taunton please contact Robbie Lowes on 01823 250 837 or email robbie.lowes@projecttaunton.co.uk.