SUPPORTERS of Swansea's cricket festival have vowed to 'substantially improve' facilities at St Helen's after Glamorgan decided to return to the famous old ground next summer.

The county have confirmed they will play five days of cricket in Swansea in 2010 — an LV County Championship clash against Leicestershire on July 21, followed by a 40-over match with one-day kings Sussex on Sunday, July 25.

The news comes as a huge relief to the St Helen's Balconiers, the organisation that works tirelessly to ensure first-class cricket is played in Swansea, after fears that Glamorgan might abandon their annual trip west.

And chairman John Williams has revealed that, in conjunction with Swansea Council, money is to be spent improving facilities at the ground after it came in for widespread criticism last season.

"I'm delighted that the five-day festival is returning because it was a major disappointment last season not to have a Sunday game in Swansea," he said.

"There is a problem for out-grounds, not only in Glamorgan but around the country, because players get spoilt by luxurious facilities at Test grounds.

"But the Balconiers have a very good association with the council and we are working together to raise capital to substantially improve the facilities at St Helen's, like the dressing rooms and seating areas.

"The fact that the festival is in July also gives us time after the rugby season has finished to work on the outfield and the wicket."

Williams added: "There is a proud history of cricket in this area and we are determined to do all we can to preserve cricket in Swansea and keep St Helen's as a top-class sporting venue."

Glamorgan will play a minimum of 24 home matches next season, following the introduction of the revamped 40-over competition that replaces both the 50-over Friends Provident Trophy and the NatWest Pro40 tournament.

All of the county's six home fixtures will be played either on a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon.

There are also more Twenty20 ties, 16 in all, comprising two divisions of nine teams split regionally. Five home Glamorgan matches will be televised on S4C.

Jamie Dalrymple's men begin their second division championship campaign as early as April 9 against relegated Sussex, followed by a trip to play Middlesex at Lord's.

Glamorgan play eight of their championship matches before the end of May, then the Twenty20 extravaganza takes centre stage starting with a floodlit match against Gloucestershire in Cardiff.

roblloyd@swwmedia.co.uk