Worcester’s Labour leaders say they’ll do “all they can” to help Worcestershire County Cricket Club remain at New Road.

The iconic ground flooded eight times over the winter and is still waiting for its first taste of cricket this summer.

Worcestershire’s first two home County Championship games back in Division One were played in Kidderminster and supporters have been asked to lend a hand next Wednesday in getting New Road ready for women’s and men’s cricket to return next week.

Worcester News: STATEMENT: Councillors Jabba Riaz and Lynn DenhamSTATEMENT: Councillors Jabba Riaz and Lynn Denham (Image: Submitted)

In a statement, the leader of Worcester’s Labour group Lynn Denham and deputy leader Jabba Riaz said: “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.”

The cricket club’s board said in a statement: “Given the recent unprecedented record volume of flooding at New Road, and the increasing regularity of flooding, the board of Worcestershire County Cricket Club understands the very real issues regarding the sustainability of the club.

“As a board, we will make it our key priority to explore every option, including a move from New Road, over the next few months so we can provide the membership and key stakeholders with a plan. 

“This is to ensure the long-term future of Worcestershire County Cricket Club.”