Worcestershire fan calls on councils to keep county cricket at New Road

One of Worcestershire’s long-standing cricket fans has pleaded with the city and county councils to help keep county cricket at New Road.

Alec Mackie, who has been a member of Worcestershire County Cricket Club since 1947, spoke at last week’s full county council meeting.

He also addressed members of Worcester City Council’s Policy and Resources committee at the Guildhall last night (Tuesday, May 21).

The cricket club, which was hit by eight floods over the winter, has said it is considering “every option” - including moving away from its iconic ground in the city centre.

Alec Mackie addresses members of the city council's Policy and Resources committee (Image: Worcester City Council)

Mr Mackie told councillors: “This should not be considered any further because there is nowhere suitable to relocate the ground and the club’s 3,000 members, who will have the final say, will never agree to this solution.

“The overwhelming majority of members, I believe, are in favour of staying at New Road, where Worcestershire has played for 125 years, and in doing so put up with the annual floods which have occurred most years during that period, and cleared up afterwards.

“This has always been successfully achieved, witness last week where the playing area is almost ready for first class cricket to start on Friday thanks to the tireless efforts of the ground staff and elderly members, including myself, who have been washing down and cleaning the seats.”

City council leader Lynn Denham and deputy Jabba Riaz have already said they will do all they can to keep both men’s and women’s cricket at New Road.

Mr Mackie suggested applying for funding from the likes of DEFRA, English Heritage and the National Lottery.

He also said Worcestershire CEO Ashley Giles had recently met with city flood campaigner Mary Long-Dhonau.

“Worcester has lost so much over the years - its professional rugby club, its historic city football ground, the Royal Porcelain Works to name just three,” he added.

“We must never lose the county cricket ground, it’s part of our heritage, identity and character - like the Cathedral, which makes this iconic ground world famous.”

Cllr Denham told Mr Mackie: “All of us around the table share your concerns. We’ll look for ways to move ahead.”