Oxford Cricket Club told to vacate ground by end of season

One of Oxfordshire’s largest cricket clubs has been told to vacate its current ground in time for next season by the site’s owner.

Oxford Cricket Club has played at the Oxford University Press Sports Association Ground at Jordan Hill, in the north of the city, since 2016.

But the club has now been told it must be out by the end of this season, alongside an adjacent bowls club and those using the site’s tennis courts.

Landowners Oxford University Press (OUP) told the BBC that it was “no longer viable” for it to “continue to upgrade and maintain” the site “in the long-term”.

In a statement, the publishing house said access to some areas the ground’s pavilion would be “limited with immediate effect”.

“But core facilities such as changing rooms and toilets will remain open until the whole site closes at the end of September,” OUP said.

“Those who regularly use and access the site, including external parties, have been informed.”

The closure would impact other sport groups using the site, including the OUP Bowls Club, the publisher confirmed.