Shropshire Star

Shoreham Airshow crash: Cricket club forced to cancel event over Cosford Air Show date clash

A Shropshire cricket club has been forced to cancel its biggest fundraiser of the year due to recommendations introduced in the wake of the Shoreham air disaster.

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Albrighton Cricket Club sits below the main flying display area for Cosford Air Show, and due to changes to air show recommendations, RAF Cosford has advised that the club shut down for the day.

The open day, which was due to take place on June 19, the same day as the air show, is the club's most profitable annual fundraiser. The changes in recommendations were made following the Shoreham Air Show disaster in August last year, when a Hawker Hunter crashed on the A27 leaving 11 people dead.

The scene of the crash in 2015 involving a plane near Shoreham Airshow in West Sussex (@keirstanding/PA Wire)

While the cricket club usually hold barbecues, stalls and tombolas during their open day, this year they will not be doing so.

Darren Shimmons, chairman of Albrighton Cricket Club, said: "We've been advised to shut, but it's our biggest day of the year so it's a disappointment. We've been told not to open for safety reasons, and so that's the stance we're taking.

"We would hold the open day to try and promote the club. It was a chance to get the community together, and a lot of families came along.

"We still have other fundraising events, including a charity bash in July. Hopefully we get a bigger attendance from that."

Those that try to access the club from Kennel Lane on June 19 will not be able to gain access. In a statement the club said: "We strongly urge you not to attempt to drive to the area if you do not intend to enter the showground."

In August 2015, the Shoreham Air Show crash became the biggest air show accident in the UK for more than 50 years.

A Hawker Hunter T7 failed to complete a loop manoeuvre during the show and crashed into vehicles on the A27 trunk road in West Sussex. The accident led to all civilian-registered Hunter aircraft across the UK being grounded and restrictions placed on civilian vintage jet aircraft displays.

Clive Elliott, RAF Cosford Air Show director, said: "Albrighton Tennis and Cricket Club will not be open during this year's RAF Cosford Air Show.

"The club is directly under the main flying display area and due to changes in flying display regulations made to ensure the continued safety of the general public, the club has decided to remain closed."

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