PERSHORE and District Sports club needs new premises if it is to survive, according to its chairman.

Peter Corbishley says the club's current facilities are inadequate and a new complex is a priority.

The sports club, in Defford Road, has been home to Pershore Cricket Club for 125 years but the pavilion building needs various repairs, which could cost thousands.

The club is looking at a 17-acre site within the grounds of Pershore College, which would accommodate a clubhouse with a fitness centre, a skittle alley and creche, two cricket pitches and two floodlit tennis courts.

The tennis section of the club has already moved to the college, which has approved the idea of the sports club moving to the site.

For the club to move on to pastures new, however, it must sell off the cricket ground which, in part, will finance the move.

Mr Corbishley, said: "The club has been trying to move since 1987 but planning applications have been turned down."

He said that if the club was unable to move, it could fold within the next five to 10 years.

The plan to sell the land has been met with criticism, particularly from the town's deputy mayor, Richard Hampton, who is concerned for the future of the field.

He said: "Surely the people of Pershore will be amazed and angry to hear of this new attempt to close one of our beautiful green spaces.

"We know that the private sports club wants to sell the field.

"They believe the future of the club lies elsewhere.

"We need to be sure of the views of Pershore people."