Leaders and experts in the city, including Worcester MP Tom Collins, met to try and secure a ‘bright future’ for Worcestershire County Cricket Club, which earlier this year said it was considering leaving New Road.
The club’s CEO, Ashley Giles, has said the meeting has served as a powerful reminder that collaboration can secure the club’s future despite the significant challenges it faces.
The club’s future at New Road is under threat due to the ageing ground, changes to the sport in England and the increasing impacts of flooding.
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The cricket pitch is again under water this week after Storm Bert broke the banks of the River Severn in Worcester.
Mr Collins said the club faces a ‘perfect storm’ of problems but added discussions went well with more details to follow very soon.
He added: “I and many others in our city recognise the incredible history and beauty of our New Road Ground and the importance of Worcester hosting our famous county cricket club.
“There was a clear consensus at the meeting that we are all united by a strong and heartfelt desire to find new solutions that support both the club and the ground.
“Our city has had a tough time with sport recently and it’s time to buck that trend.
“This meeting was the start of a great collaborative effort to do all we can as a city to back our incredible professional sport and forge a secure future for cricket here.
“While this is just the beginning the level of passion and collaboration in the room was an encouraging sign of hope.”
Mr Giles added: “New Road is more than just a cricket ground; it’s a symbol of our community’s history, resilience, and shared passion for sport.
“The challenges we face are significant, but the commitment shown by all involved today is a powerful reminder that collaboration and innovation can secure the Club’s future.”
Dr Jonathan Fisher’s great uncle, HK Foster, was the first captain of Worcestershire and helped develop the team and the ground at New Road.
He said he would have been most impressed by the spirit and calibre of the discussions and would welcome and support the actions taken.
