PLANS to build a state-of-the-art cricket ground near Kidderminster have been met with mixed reactions.

A proposal has emerged that could see a new £5m facility, named the Moeen Ali International Cricket Centre, built at Waresley Park at Hartlebury.

It's a grassroots community project which aims to increase the accessibility of the sport in Worcestershire.

Roger Newman, a former cricket manager at Oxford University and academy director at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, and Moeen's cousin Kabir Ali, are behind the proposal.

Moeen and Kabir Ali previously played for Worcestershire County Cricket Club. The proposals for the not-for-profit project include building a ground, pavilion, and indoor cricket centre.

The project will be organised by Kabir's Inner City Champs Association, with Mr Newman's M5 Sports Management Group supporting. 

Mr Newman, aged 79, who played for Kidderminster Cricket Club in the late 1960s, said that unused land has been donated for the community project.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Roger Newman, who is behind the plan, says land at Waresley Park has been donated for the cricket ground.Roger Newman, who is behind the plan, says land at Waresley Park has been donated for the cricket ground. (Image: NQ)

He said the former Worcestershire cricketers want to give something back to the community.

Mr Newman said: "I have known the Ali family ever since Moeen and Kabir were quite young. We all get on well and I have helped them through their careers.

"We are trying to improve people's lives through cricket using that centre as a headquarters.

"There will be a formal consultation before it goes to planning which will be in April".

However, some residents have taken to social media to raise concerns about the project, with others supporting the endeavour.

On the Hartlebury Matters Facebook group, Laura Meredith questioned how many Hartlebury residents will benefit from the proposal.

Paul Richie added: "This is an outrageous proposal and I agree of absolutely zero benefit to the residents of Hartlebury".

Others expressed their approval of the plan.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Former Worcestershire spin bowler Moeen Ali Former Worcestershire spin bowler Moeen Ali (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA)

Susan Rees said: "What a wonderful idea to bring cricket to all, to be inclusive for everyone.

"A wonderful opportunity for Hartlebury youth and countrywide.

"I think if it used to be a football pitch, the wildlife survived and there is more than enough land to roam, if it's not used for the good of the community, it'll be another housing estate in years to come.

Steve Griff Griffiths added: "As a Hartlebury resident, and cricket fan, l think it would be a great addition. However, l think there is going to be a lot of opposition to these plans by the property owners on Waresley Park".

In response to concerns, Mr Newman has said Hartlebury doesn't have a cricket club and that there's an opportunity to establish one to benefit youngsters in the village.

He said the project also aims to support children from all backgrounds in nearby towns, including Kidderminster, Stourport, Worcester and Droitwich.

He added the ground will benefit the economy of Hartlebury, "raise the profile" of the village, and also add value to homes near Waresley Park.

The team behind the plan are hoping to be able to open the centre by summer 2025, subject to planning permission.