PROVIDING a long-term fix to an “unsafe” recreation ground could cost more than £100,000.

A survey report on the Mudeford Recreation Ground, which is home to the cricket club, said the outfield had suffered “badly” from drought stress.

The Grounds Management Association’s document prepared for Christchurch Town Council said a top-dressing applied in spring was badly contaminated with stone, which had made the ground “unsafe”.

Work to address this problem and reseed the outfield would cost around £46,000 excluding VAT.

However, there would need to be further investment, the report said, to ensure the ground could be watered sufficiently.

The survey said the creation of a suitable irrigator system would cost between £45,000 and £60,000 excluding VAT. A pop-up system could be offered at a further £25,000 to £40,000. This would require less volunteer time and be more precise but it would be prone to vandalism.

The association’s report was considered by members of the council’s resources committee at a meeting on November 1.

Councillors agreed to set up a task and finish group to take the project forward comprising of members and representatives from Mudeford Cricket Club.

It is expected to report back to the resources committee next month, where a decision could be made on the direction of the project.

As reported, the council has already earmarked £45,000 of reserves to remedying the problems at the recreation ground, however, all potential options would costs more than this figure.

Members at the meeting earlier this month asked if the cricket club had explored all grant funding options, however, councillors did say that organisation was an important asset to the borough due to their success in competitions and its role in supporting young people.

The council has been looking into the situation since the chairman of the Hampshire Cricket Ground Committee flagged the condition of the ground in June, stating that “immediate attention” was needed.