THE Mote Cricket Club have taken the first steps toward what they hope will be the restoration of county cricket at the ground with the completion of a £12,000 pitch relaying programme.

Abandoned as a county venue after 2005 when a low-scoring game against Gloucestershire resulted in the deduction of championship points for Kent, The Mote, in their 150th anniversary year, have embarked on the project with the county club and Maidstone Council contributing £3,000 each.

The remainder is being provided by individual contributors.

The work, undertaken by private contractors Tyson’s Wickets, and overseen by George Alexander, director of grounds at Tonbridge School, involved the relaying of four pitches in the centre of the Mote square.

It is hoped the work will produce the added pace and bounce that has been lacking.

Raman Subba Row, the ECB regional pitch liaison officer said: "Those involved in Tyson’s Wickets have substantial experience of advising on and relaying of cricket squares."

It is expected that Kent will return to the ground in some form next year with the staging of second XI or Academy fixtures. The Mote hope a first-class cricket will return in 2009.