MAJOR changes to the way regional cricket is structured were agreed last night.

The cricket boards of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset outlined proposals for reducing travelling times, match lengths and increasing competitiveness in the West of England and county leagues to address the problem of declining player numbers.

The measures, to be introduced from 2016, were backed by clubs at the annual general meeting of the West of England Premier League in Bristol last night.

In a joint statement, the boards said: “The number of players playing cricket is reducing and the game needs to change to address this decline.

“Eight key organisations have come together and used all the evidence available to them to unanimously agree on a league structure for club cricket in Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire that is fit for purpose for the foreseeable future.

“This is the first time that such collaborative working has occurred which demonstrates a recognition from those involved in managing the game that change is needed.’’ The proposals follow the results of a national playing survey that highlighted issues such as the decline in players, with concerns over travel, match formats and competitiveness.

The statement added: “The 2014 national playing survey has been the catalyst for change. The players have spoken and clubs and leagues need to listen and act accordingly if we are to halt the decline in participation.

“The leagues have done their part and have worked together admirably to propose a restructure across the region for the long term good of the game. It is now down to the clubs to listen to what the players have said and trust the knowledge and experience of league committees and the cricket boards.’’

Among the proposals for the new structure in 2016 were reducing the travel of those currently playing 1st XI Premier Two cricket and reducing the travel and overs played for second teams and first teams further down the pyramid.

A West of England Premier League One division would remain at both first and second team level with relegation from and promotion to it from second divisions split into Wiltshire/Gloucestershire and Bristol/Somerset sections.

Those in turn would be served by third-tier divisions split according to county, with the top divisions in the county leagues feeding into them.