Billericay striving to improve surface: Billericay Town vice-chairman Greg Lake insists the club is doing everything it can to make sure less home fixtures are called off in the weeks ahead.
Town have seen numerous contests at New Lodge called off this season due to an unplayable pitch.
But Lake stresses Billericay are doing everything they can to get the surface into a better state.
In a club statement, Lake said: “Billericay Town FC, like all clubs, follow the protocols laid down by the FA and keep everyone informed as much as we can.
“As recent fixtures show this can then lead to a mixture of outcomes.
“However, there is no doubt that our pitch is currently in a poor condition.
“Billericay Town would like to assure everyone that we really are doing everything possible to get these games played.
“We do use protective sheets to cover the worst areas, we have industrial blowers, the machinery and manpower if required.
“It is certainly not a question of not providing everything that we can.
“Indeed, we’ve had other ground specialists down to support our own groundsman!
“However, we do have to recognise the sheer volume of rain that we have had over the last couple of months.
“Couple that with a pitch that has historical issues and has been dug up, new drainage installed and then relaid every summer for the last few years and there is undoubtedly a major ongoing situation to resolve.”
Billericay’s latest postponed fixture came on New Year’s Day, when they were due to host Concord Rangers in a National League South clash.
And Lake wants an artificial pitch in place for next term.
“We have already indicated our intention is to pursue an artificial surface for both the current playing surface and a brand new facility behind the far stand,” added Lake.
“This will bring an end to this type of situation and we are hoping to make that a reality in time for next season – certainly for the main pitch.
“It will also allow us to make New Lodge a true base for the whole club, bring training in house and make it more flexible in terms of hours.”
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