AS a Somerset cricket member of over 25 years, it was with sadness I read of the club's decision to take the County Room bar area away from its members.

There will now be no indoor bar facility on the ground in view of the cricket. No indoor ability for "normal" members to watch from in the months of April, May, September, when the weather is often at its worst.

Being a Somerset member in the summer is a way of life. It is hard to describe but there is a huge family feel at the club between the members, supporters and players. 

The bar area is a great meeting place for members and is a hub of activity on match days. To sell it off to hospitality and corporate is to put money above its members.

Around half the membership donated their full subscriptions in 2020 and again, a proportion of the 2021 fee.

Not many can afford the premium member area prices or match day hospitality.

The strength of feeling on this topic is becoming quite vocal and I urge the decision makers to have a prompt rethink before it's too late.

MARK EDWARDS
Weston super Mare