Eight people have lost their jobs at the St Lawrence Cricket Ground in Canterbury in a restructuring of operations.

They include head groundsman Mike Grantham. His job has gone and will be replaced by a ground co-ordinator, who will be responsible for the grounds in Beckenham and Canterbury. The post will be taken by the former Beckenham groundsman Andy Pierson.

Paul Millman, the chief executive of Kent County Cricket Club, said: “The last year has proved extremely challenging for the club given the uncertainty in the economy and the unforeseen delays associated with our development plans at the St Lawrence ground.

“It has been necessary for us to take a long hard look at every aspect of our operation.

“The reorganisation has led to a reduction in our staffing levels.”

Despite the job losses, the club is hiring two workers for its new business development unit.

Kent’s new management structure takes effect on January 5.