DURHAM Cricket Club has announced that its Riverside ground will become fully cashless for matches moving forward – but not everyone is thrilled about the sport club’s choice, with some pointing out that “cash is still a form of tender”.

Announcing the news yesterday (January 14), the cricket club highlighted that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and moving with current times, it’s made the decision to stop accepting cash payments across its trading premises.

According to the sports team “the move to a cashless venue enables significantly shorter queuing times, improved hygiene for staff and supporters plus a more efficient administration process for the club”.

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This big move from Durham CC will see the club shop, box office and all hospitality areas no longer accepting cash – instead, opting for card and contactless payments.

Durham Cricket venue director, Rob Warren, said: “There are many reasons for becoming a cashless ground, not least the health and safety of our valued Members and supporters.

"The reduction of cash being handed around the venue makes it a lot safer for everyone, helping to minimise that human contact element of cash being handed over.”

The Northern Echo: The cricket club will no longer accept cash after making the 'major' announcement.The cricket club will no longer accept cash after making the 'major' announcement.

“We appreciate the majority of our members and spectators are already using cards to make payment at the Riverside, so the impact of going totally cashless should not be very noticeable and we look forward to this becoming the norm for all visiting the ground.”

Despite Durham Cricket Club revealing its new payment strategy moving into 2022, people who regularly attend the cricket were left less than impressed after voicing their frustration at the “thoughtless” and “idiotic” decision.

After breaking the news to its supporters on social media yesterday (January 14), many were quick to hit back at the North East cricket club, both with comments and angry reactions.

The Northern Echo: Many supporters took to social media to voice their displeasure with the contactless decision.Many supporters took to social media to voice their displeasure with the contactless decision.

Taking to social media, one Facebook user said: “How stupid. Coins and notes are still legal currency, so it’s ridiculous not to accept payment in cash,” while another said: “you need to have a serious rethink Durham CC judging from the reaction to your post. It would appear you've NOT thought this one out properly at all.”

Meanwhile, another added: “A embarrassing decision for the club, a horrific idea. Please think again, you will alienate your paying members,” before several fans said that they wouldn’t be returning to the Riverside ground while the cashless system was in place.

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