A CRICKET club's future could be put in doubt because people are causing damage by walking across its pitch.

Brandon Cricket Club, which is part of Brandon Community Sports Club, says the damage to the square is happening because people use it as a shortcut.

The square, which needs careful tending, has been fouled by dogs, is often litter-strewn and has been damaged by bicycles.

The club says the problem of people taking shortcuts has grown worse since a new sports surface was laid at the nearby Meadowfield Leisure Centre.

It fears the problem will increase even further when Durham City Council's new offices and one-stop shop are completed next to the centre.

Now, the club is trying to raise £25,000 to fence off the site near Brandon Lane, which also includes football pitches.

Chairman and groundsman Ian Johnson said: "It is only in the last two or three months it has started to get worse.

"We have had one or two bikes ridden across the cricket square, causing ruts.

"We have also had cricket nets destroyed. We need to strengthen the boundary fence."

The club has 80 young members, several senior teams and plans for a women's section.

Mr Johnson said the club had approached Durham City Council, which said it did not have the money to help.

He said the club was talking to local councillors about what help could be provided and was looking to make grant applications to organisations such as the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

A city council spokesman said: "We know about the concerns of the cricket club and we are working with them to get funding for a better fence."

The club is confident of achieving ClubMark accreditation in recognition of the excellence of its activities.