We have noted the recent publicity around the future of cricket at New Road. Cricket in Worcester, played out by the river with the imposing backdrop of the Cathedral, is one of our greatest assets in the City. We view with concern any plan to move matches and the County Cricket Club away from their established home. While we empathise with the Club and the impact that flooded pitches have on revenue and reliability, we are keen to work with the Cricket Club Board and Ashley Giles to try and find alternative solutions.

Worcestershire cricket is important to the city and county’s heritage, its visitor economy, and the trade generated in hospitality. The ground is at the heart of the city, close to transport hubs, easily reached by foot and cycle. in recent years the Club has been very proactive in developing youth, disability and community cricket. It is a significant part of what makes us Worcestershire, as iconic as Elgar and black pears and we must work in partnerships to do all we can to preserve it at this historic site and the Labour group are unified in the belief that the home of Worcestershire cricket should remain at New Road.

Leader & Deputy Leader Labour Group

Cllr Lynn Denham & Cllr Jabba Riaz