SAINSBURY’S hopes of opening a store in Kendal have been dashed after a cricket club declared it was staying put.

For more than a year, the supermarket giant has been trying to persuade Kendal Cricket Club, in Shap Road, to relocate to make way for the development.

But, despite Sainsbury’s pledge to build a multi-million pound sports village nearby, including new cricket facilities, the club said it wanted to see out its lease on the site, which runs until 2026.

At an extraordinary general meeting, committee members voted 64 to one against the offer, and said the club would now focus on improving its current facilities.

Last year it was granted planning permission to extend its clubhouse.

In a statement the club said: “The executive committee presented to members the options available and the reasons for the committee’s recommendation of rejecting the offer.

“After the presentation, members held a robust discussion where a series of frank and passionate views were exchanged.

“The club now hopes to continue the development of its facilities at Shap Road and are confident this will go ahead now the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future has been removed.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson told the Gazette that it remained ‘interested’ in opening a food store in Kendal, and added: “We continue to look for opportunities in the area.”

Cricket has been played at the Shap Road ground for more than 100 years. Originally owned by local cricket enthusiast William Farrer, the site was transferred to the charity, the National Playing Fields Association, now called Fields In Trust, in 1936.

The trust backed Sainsbury’s bid, much to the disappointment of the cricket club. After the plan was unveiled in September 2010, the club said it felt under pressure from all parties.