A CITY that allowed a new road to bulldoze its way through the most important battlefield in British history might be described as having come a little late to the world of conservation. Worcester's past planning mistakes have often returned to haunt her and even the most casual observer can still find plenty of examples of disregard for heritage and environment.

This newspaper is therefore relieved that the question of the Cinderella Ground's historic pavilion has arisen in 2006 rather than 1966. In these more enlightened times, the building where WG Grace once waited to go into bat at least stands a better chance of continuing an indefinite innings.

The Worcester News stands firm with the city council, residents and all lovers of the stately game in defending this shrine to cricket against moves by developers who are pressing for demolition. It is totally unacceptable that the birthplace of a team wreathed in the laurels of countless triumphs should find itself in such a position. The decision to slap a preservation notice is therefore a shrewd move by city planners, one that we feel sure will buy the vital time needed for more permanent protection.

However, we feel duty-bound to point out that it is highly regrettable the pavilion was allowed to deteriorate so badly in the first place. It was closed down on safety grounds last year, so we are bound to wonder why no one heeded the warning bells. Nevertheless, there is still time - and everything to play for.