Lancashire are asking for the public’s support to help their application to re-develop Old Trafford and help bring Test match cricket back to the North West region.

England’s stunning 2009 Ashes success was celebrated throughout the country, but Old Trafford Cricket Ground did not host a Test for only the third time in 150 years.

Without major redevelopment of the ground, there will be no more Ashes or any other Test Match cricket at a ground where over 10,000 people were locked out before the final day in 2005, where Jim Laker claimed his famous 19-wicket haul in 1956 and where Ian Botham played one of his most famous innings in 1981.

The Old Trafford Partnership (Lancashire County Cricket Club, Tesco and Ask Developments) have submitted a planning application to Trafford Council to re-develop Old Trafford cricket ground and the surrounding area.

The £47million development would transform Old Trafford into one of the best cricket arenas in the world, and would secure the future of International Cricket in the North West and they are appealing for the public’s help in achieving this.

Lancashire have launched a new website, www.oldtraffordashes.co.uk, where people can read about the sports-led regeneration scheme and how they can play their part in bringing the Ashes back to Old Trafford.

Jim Cumbes, Lancashire CCC Chief Executive says: "The next few months are critical to the future of this famous ground, and Lancashire County Cricket Club really needs cricket and sports fans throughout the North West and further a field to pledge their support for this redevelopment. 

"Oldtraffordashes.co.uk provides information on our development and how people can help Lancashire’s bid to bring the Ashes back to Old Trafford whilst securing the future of international cricket for the people of the North West.

"Letters of support could make all the difference, so we urge everyone to visit this website today."