Essex will be playing first-class cricket at Ilford's Valentines Park this season.

This follows Redbridge Council's decision to provide financial support over the next two years to stage clashes at the venue.

It is believed they have set aside £10,000 each year to safeguard the ground on which the first-class game has been played since 1923.

"We are delighted at the news," said Essex chief executive David East at the county HQ in Chelmsford. "Valentines Park is part of the county's heritage and we did not want to lose it."

Increasing costs of staging cricket at Ilford had led to Essex issuing an ultimatum of "pay up or we move out".

Last summer they were out of pocket to the tune of £14,000 while staging clashes against Surrey and Durham, and were not prepared to suffer a similar loss.

The council's move means Essex will have a complete festival programme again this year with Ilford joining Southend and Colchester.

Published Monday, March 11, 2002