FORMER top cop Peter Picken has questioned Kidderminster Harriers' commitment to safety after quitting his role at the club.

Mr Picken, who was chief superintendent with Kidderminster Police, had built up a reputation for strong security at Aggborough in five years as safety officer.

He left the voluntary post for good on Monday after he initially resigned in February but agreed to continue on matchdays until the end of the season. The 61-year-old believes the football club will be pressing ahead with their own safety arrangements at a crucial stage as the new 2,040-seater stand is due to open in July.

Harriers chairman Colin Youngjohns insisted the board would be exploring options in order to maintain a successful safety operation on matchdays.

Mr Picken, who intends to watch Harriers games now instead, said: "I regret that after giving so much voluntary time and expertise that the matter should end in the way it has.

"I consider Kidderminster Harriers to be a community club and I have concerns for safety aspects for the club. But under current circumstances I don't believe the safety issues are being addressed properly and I cannot continue in my role.

"I've had no communication, written or verbal, since February 27 about this. It leads me to believe that the general manager, Jimmy Conway, believes he can supply a safety and stewarding system which is more in keeping with the current needs of the club."

Every summer, the club's ground needs to be approved by the Safety Advisory Group towards gaining a safety certificate from Worcestershire County Council and a licence from the Football Licensing Authority.

Mr Picken, who advised the club for 11 years before taking up the safety officer post, added: "All the agencies and professionals that have a responsibility to check us have been extremely complimentary about the safety at the club.

"We were only promoted to the Football League three years ago but other clubs being promoted are recommended they visit Kidderminster to see how it should be done."

Mr Youngjohns admitted: "I have not yet had the chance to talk to Peter since he resigned. With few people here to handle day-to-day duties, we are having to work like the clappers, as Peter did.

"We will handle whatever problems that come along as we have done in the past."