“Too often the management, marketing and maintenance of local authority pitches are overseen by different departments working to different agendas”


the conventional approach, but I was taught to scarify in a diamond formation in a cross- hatching process. I find this brings greater results and works particularly well for our squares.” Timing also plays a key part in


correctly preparing pitches and when to start work for a new season. As the football season is slightly longer, and can often run over, the pair like to leave the changeover as late as possible. “Seeding at the right time is important,” says Billy, “and as the warmer weather seems to come much earlier, we have to tailor our times accordingly.” “We started seeding at the end of May this year due to the particularly warm and dry April but, in general, the margins between seeding, establishment and summer play are growing tighter.”


It can sometimes be a thankless task having to cater for


all tastes, especially when the margins between the winter and summer seasons are so tight. Paul and Billy only have a two- week window, once the whistle blows on the last football match of the twenty-eight week season, to bring the four cricket squares up to scratch for the beginning of their twenty week term. “Any complaints received are always relayed back to the lads and we have a talk through whether the comments are fair or not,” Alex explains. Billy adds: “Unfortunately, in our business, you cannot cater for everyone, especially with cricket, but we have to listen to people and make sure they feel that you have taken on board what they’re saying.” ”There is no pecking order


here. Every pitch is maintained to the same high standard, no matter who is playing on them, so everyone is entitled to their


SEE US AT SALTEX STAND E1


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