A SNOOKER player has called for more youth facilities to be developed to stop the sport's decline.

Dion Whittall, who is a member of the Worcester Snooker League's committee, said a lack of facilities for young people in Worcester is harming the sport.

Mr Whittall said: "There are so many children that want to play snooker but can't - there's no where in Worcester now that will allow players aged under 16."

Riley's Club, which was based on the Shrub Hill Industrial Estate, was the last remaining venue that enabled children to play snooker until it's closure in 2020.

Mr Whittall added: "Worcester hasn't even got a snooker club anymore. Thankfully the league can use working men's clubs for our games, but they don't allow under-16s or even women in some cases.

"Why are we not targeting youth development more? If a child doesn't have the physical attributes to get round a football pitch, why can't they pick up a cue?"

He has met with Worcester's mayor, councillor Mel Allcott, to speak about the issue.

Cllr Allcott said: "I was quite shocked when I heard there was no provision for children.

"This is a real opportunity. There isn't enough for young people to do in Worcester, and snooker is an all-year-round sport."

Mr Whittall, who plays league and county snooker having harboured ambitions of turning professional as a teenager, said: "With new committee members now in place, we have the drive and momentum to make snooker much more accessible to young people.

"We need venues for them to play in though."

Long term, Mr Whittall highlighted Worcester City's new home ground as a possibility for snooker in the future.

Cllr Allcott added: "Short term, I know Perdiswell Leisure Centre has space for a table for example and there's our Worcester Community Trust buildings - six centres - which could be an opportunity too.

"The first barrier is space, but once there are facilities, the league can then generate interest.

"Dion certainly seems to have a strategy."

Mr Whittall said: "Our members are getting older and we're losing people, so it's not sustainable."

"We may only have four or five years left if there's no change."