Battle over land used by Charlton Kings Cricket Club could see it close

ONE of the country's oldest cricket clubs is fundraising in a bid to fund a legal battle to keep its grounds.

Charlton Kings Cricket Club, founded in 1885, is locked in a lengthy legal dispute with wealthy Cheltenham widow Jacki Mitchell, 63, over a patch of land on Greenway Lane.

support needed: Charlton Kings Cricket Club's ground. Below, cricket development officer Geoff White, left, and club president Brian Leeke

The 18-month battle, which has so far racked up more than £100,000 in costs, sees the club using land which belongs to the Mitchell family.

The club started to use the land, which was then owned by an Arthur Mitchell, many years ago.

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But two years ago, Ms Mitchell, Arthur's daughter-in-law staked a claim on the land, saying it belonged to the family.

The club filed a counter claim, saying they had been using it for more than 100 years.

The battle has been ongoing for months, ending in the High Court last month, where it was adjourned.

Now, the club is trying to raise money to fund its legal costs.

The land in question takes up one fifth of its land.

At a race day, about 180 people turned up at a marquee close to the racecourse, and the club raised £14,000 through auctions and a raffle.

Geoff White, cricket development officer at the club, said: "Our costs are now well in excess of six figures so the £14,000 raised is so important.

"I cannot stress enough that if we lose this case it will potentially spell the end of a hugely successful club."

But Ms Mitchell, who was born in the USA, said she was right to take the case to court.

"I was married to my husband for more than 40 years," she said. "I'm not some flyby night who arrived to claim it. My husband loved cricket, and rugby among other things."