FOOTBALL team Worcester Raiders face being forced out of the city if the lease on their ground is not extended.

Raiders need to erect floodlights on their pitch at Claines Lane, off Droitwich Road, to gain promotion to the West Midlands League Premier Division.

They are currently second in Division One and are the highest ranked team in Worcester following Worcester City’s exile to Kidderminster Harriers.

But the lease, held jointly by Division Two side Worcester Olympic and Archdales under 13s — two of eight teams who use the two pitches — runs out in May.

A bid to either buy it or get an extension from Worcestershire County Council has so far failed and fears are growing that the authority want to sell the land.

The Football Association says they will fund up to 85 per cent of any improvements but only if an agreement on the lease is reached.

Raiders, who have risen through the ranks from the Worcester and District League, could have to seek a groundshare with Malvern Town or Pershore Town to move up a level.

Manager Kev Jenkins said: “We are trying to talk to the council to allow them to give us a 10-year lease to get a grant from the FA to put lighting on there, which would allow us to grow as a club.

“The impact on Worcester Raiders would be significant.

“The only thing that is stopping us progressing and putting Worcester on the map is this ground. Everything else is in place."

He added: “I am trying to fight my corner for my club but there are other teams that use that pitch.”

The site is also used by Olympic’s under 14s, 18s and ladies teams, as well as Claines and Halfway House.

Archdales stalwart Dick Widdowson said his club had spent £3,500 improving facilities. He added: “The FA will back us up to 85 per cent of everything but County Hall won’t give us a price.”

John Campion, the county council’s cabinet member for transformation and commissioning, said: “We are aware of the interest being shown by local football clubs.

“At present we are considering the options for the future and have agreed to keep the clubs informed.”