Town angered by cricket criticism

David Hopps has been writing for The Guardian since 1989

A journalist has angered residents and cricket fans in a North Yorkshire town by accusing Scarborough Cricket Club of being in "terminal decline".

Writing in The Guardian on Tuesday, David Hopps said the club had broken toilets and was strewn with litter.

He also said the public address system at the ground had picked up part of a nearby funeral service during a match between Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.

The club's chairman said Mr Hopps' comments were "complete nonsense".

'Over the top'

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Hopps said: "I referred to Scarborough as shabby, and I think it is. Scarborough is my favourite cricket ground in England, I love the place, and that's why what I saw made me so angry.

"There was a lot of rubbish both outside and inside the ground.

"Toilets that weren't working last year still weren't working this year and there's a drain that has overflowed for at least five years since I've been coming here."

He added: "The danger for Scarborough is that the ground could reach a tipping point when it is no longer of acceptable quality, and that would be an absolute tragedy for such a wonderful ground."

Scarborough Cricket Club chairman Bill Mustoe said: "I think the comments are going a little over the top.

"We have spent in the order of half a million pounds over the last 10 years on ground improvements and to improve the experience of spectators, and we will continue to do so."

Mr Hopps said the old stands at Scarborough were full of character and atmosphere but "could use a lick of paint".