Mark Lomas, who has been chairman for 12 years, stepped down on the night and will be replaced by Abid Ditta.
Speaking to members at the AGM, Mark said: “When I joined Nick Westhead (Treasurer) on the Executive we both agreed we would not step down until either the club was on a sound financial footing or we had no option but to lock the Astley gates for the last time.

“Only Nick, myself and the trustees know how close that has been at times.

“But with the generosity of members and some negotiations on payment terms on loans we have managed to just about keep our head above water.

“Now with the help of the Minority Development Enterprise Trust (MEDT) charity and the chance to change the structure of the club our dream of a healthy and strong community led club can be a reality.

“In fact, without the charities help over the last month or so we may not even have been around for this meeting.

“Their commitment to strengthening the ties between facilities like ours and the local community will mean Alexandra Meadows will be a thriving focal point for the area for years to come and bring the same happiness to many more families as it has to mine.”

Mark thanked every member of staff and more importantly the volunteers and executive committee members who for their service during his tenure, adding: “Without them we would have no club.”

The club is now hoping to attract further interest from local businesses and the immediate community living close to the ground. As well as cricket, the sports club caters for squash, table tennis and bowls.

In 2021, the club was praised for attracting more than 100 young cricketers through its doors thanks to a re-branding of its juniors cricket set up.

The MEDT charity took over Bangor Street Community Centre in 2015 after acquiring the centre from Blackburn with Darwen Council as part of an asset transfer.

Although not involved in the day-to-day running of the organisation, the charity has supported the centre, which is now among the busiest and largest community centre in the north west.

New chairman Abid said: “I have to pay tribute to the executive committee and all the volunteers who have ensured that the cricket club came through one of its most difficult periods in its history.

“It is only through their commitment and determination that the club is still here. Many have sacrificed their time and money to ensure the survival of the club.

“As someone who has been involved in voluntary groups I know all too well – this is not easy.

“This club is close to the hearts of a lot of people in this area and beyond and we want it to remain so.

“But we have some big challenges we need to face and we have some hurdles to overcome and we can only do this if we have the continued support of everyone associated with the club and also those who may be new to the organisation.”

First published 13 March 2023