WORCESTER City will remain at Aggborough next season after agreeing a new ground-share deal with Kidderminster Harriers.

The Blue and Whites, who have spent the past two seasons as Harriers' tenants, have signed a one-season arrangement with the option of extending it for a further campaign.

As part of the deal, City will pay an increased rent to help with pitch renovation work, due to take place over the summer.

Chairman Anthony Hampson believes Aggborough provides the club with their best chance of remaining in Conference North after deciding against deals with Evesham United and Bromsgrove Sporting.

He has also urged fans to continue to back the club in their continued quest to return to Worcester.

Hampson said: “The club has again considered all the options available to it and is grateful to all who have offered to share their facilities.

“However, having concluded that it wishes to continue to play football at its current level, Aggborough remained the obvious choice.

“Despite the challenges of playing away from Worcester, the board remains ambitious and wishes to compete at the highest possible level during its period of ground share.

“It also wishes to give the manager the opportunity to continue to play the attractive brand of football and attract the standard of player we have become used to.

“The board genuinely feels that this move allows Worcester City to retain some of its ambition but while also guarding its future.

“Renewing the arrangement with Harriers remains an interim measure whilst City continues to pursue its ultimate ambition of returning to Worcester."

He continued: “The Perdiswell planning application is now out for consultation and the club would urge all its supporters and partners to get behind that scheme.

“Also, it is important not to lose sight of the need to ensure that the club remains viable.

“The board of directors would therefore urge all supporters to continue to support the club through attendance at matches."

Harriers chairman Ken Rae added: “It is clear that the playing surface at Aggborough this season has not been up to standard and plans are in place to make the necessary improvements in the close season.

“I would like to highlight that these planned improvements would have been implemented regardless of whether or not a further ground-share agreement with Worcester was signed.

“We are well aware that these improvements need to be made, whether it would have been one team or two teams playing at Aggborough next season, and we are optimistic that these improvements will rectify a number of issues with our pitch."

Meanwhile, the club's supporters' trust are holding a fans' forum to discuss the Perdiswell application and possible changes to the club's constitution.

It takes place on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Graeme Hick Pavilion at Worcestershire County Cricket Club.