THE ban on taking alcohol into Twenty20 cricket matches at Worcester's New Road has met with a mixed reaction.

The decision, which means bags will be spot-checked as fans enter the ground, was made by Worcestershire County Cricket Club following talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board and announced earlier this month.

While one angry fan called it "a kick in the teeth" for ordinary fans, others have been more understanding.

Brian Howorth, of Napleton Lane, Kempsey, near Worcester, has been a lifelong Worcestershire supporter and member since he was a boy.

The 68-year-old said: "I understand why they're doing it. You get a different crowd at Twenty20s.

"You get the football supporters who go just to get boozed up. It's just a small percentage but they can ruin it for everyone. But that minority will get more and more if you allow them to keep bringing their own alcohol."

In previous seasons, Worcestershire fans took their own alcohol to the one-day Twenty20 matches to accompany picnics. But, when the the 2008 Twenty20 competition begins in June, any alcohol taken into the ground will be confiscated.

Supporters will, however, still be able to buy alcoholic drinks once inside the ground.

A number of people have commented on the Worcester News website, www.worcesternews.co.uk.

"This is literally the worst idea ever," said owl, from Worcester.

"For starters, cricket is meant to be enjoyed with a healthy dose of pear cider or other beverage. Secondly, do they really think it will stop people taking booze into the ground?

"Those big cola bottles aren't actually full of just cola you know!"

Taking a different view, logicalN, from Malvern, wrote: "What kind of message does it send to youngsters coming into the game to suggest that no one can watch it without the aid of alcohol?

"Cricket was played for many years before bottled beers and ciders became available and, hopefully, will survive for many more without their aid."

Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton said the decision to stop alcohol being taken into the ground was made for health and safety reasons.