CRICKET star Graeme Hick spoke out this week against extended licensing hours at the Three Counties Showground.

The Worcestershire and former England player was one of about 20 Malvern Wells residents at a hearing yesterday (Thursday).

The Three Counties Agricultural Society applied to sell alcohol and hold public entertainments until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, and midnight the rest of the week.

Eight objections were submitted to Malvern Hills District Council but a petition with more than 60 signatures arrived too late to count as an official objection.

Criticisms included noise from showground events, which Wells residents have complained about for years. They also fear the licence would become a magnet for drinkers from across Malvern.

"We've heard that activity at the site has increased over the last 20 years. If we accept this now, where will we stand in five or ten years' time?" asked Mr Hick.

Geoffrey Stapleton, another resident, was worried extended hours could mean a backlash against the showground from ratepayers.

Wilfred Harper emphasised traffic problems, citing the number of accidents near showground entrances.

Nick Vincent, the agricultural society's chief executive, said: "We've got absolutely no intention of turning the site into a 73-acre nightclub. There's no suggestion that we're going to change the objectives of the society."

He admitted that noise had got out of hand a few times and said and he was taking steps to prevent it happening again.

The application was granted with conditions such as no use of the PA system after 10pm and no admittance after 11pm.

Mr Harper said residents would keep an eye on the situation.