WORCESTERSHIRE have debts of more than £5million despite a surplus of £428,661 for the past financial year.

And the County’s short-term loans due for repayment this year have increased sharply to £1,412,261 from £807,609.

The underlying position at New Road remains one of loss-making — of £71,339 until the end of 2016 — as the surplus was only due to an additional £500,000 England and Wales Cricket Board payment.

The overall level of debt at December 31, 2016, was £5,223,918 which was a reduction of £306,745 on the amount recorded 12 months earlier.

And Worcestershire’s board, led by chief executive Tom Scott, believe their immediate focus is to reduce loan obligations.

Members will hear about the club’s financial position and reflect on the last year on and off the field at the County’s annual general meeting tomorrow night in the Graeme Hick Pavilion at New Road (7pm).

Chairman Stephen Taylor told last year's meeting other counties carried "an immense amount of debt" and insisted: "We do have some but it is controlled and manageable for the future."

Scott says there has been a “significant shift” in how the County try to maximise their commercial opportunities at New Road to boost non-cricket income.

The County will be opening a new coffee shop in the old 1865 Kenyon Suite next month, while they plan to sell branded ice cream and hold three outdoor concerts.

Scott said: “There has been a significant shift in how we approach the utilisation of our commercial space with a view to increasing non-cricket income and this remains the core of our future plans.

“I am optimistic both on and off the field for the year ahead. Costs are firmly under control and with increased commercial activity we should see a much stronger balance sheet in 2018.”

The County plan to sell Worcestershire “local luxury ice cream” both inside and outside the ground this summer to boost the cash reserves.

Scott said: "We have carried out a number of cost-saving projects from which the club will benefit in the short to medium term.

“It was never going to be a quick fix but with a new group and a more focused approach to commercial sales we will see the benefits.

“We have seen the continued success of the academy producing home-grown talent through a dedicated coaching team led by Steve Rhodes.

“Worcestershire support the view that home-grown talent produced through the academy should form the foundations of our team but the introduction of world-class players will never be ignored if the opportunity or need arises.

“We have more work to do to improve our financial position and this can only be achieved if we continue to show sustained reduction of our existing debt by generating commercial sales which will remain a priority for 2017 and beyond.”