CITY MP Mike Foster is planning to open a public debate on school sports pitches being opened up to the public when they are not being used.

Mr Foster said one secondary school in the city would not allow children to play cricket during the summer holidays.

Staff at the school, which he declined to name, claimed it would damage the pitch - even though it has an artificial wicket.

Labour MP Mr Foster described the decision as "short-sighted".

Now he has written to local sports clubs asking for their views on getting the most out of school and university sports facilities when they are not being used by students.

And Mark Newton, chief executive of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, said he supported the plans.

He added that he ran a dual-use sports centre in Northamptonshire in the 70s which worked "fantastically well".

"In principle, the idea would have my support because anything that maximises the use of sports facilities where it's feasible is a good idea.

"The other issues is it can bring in much-needed revenue to schools through this use."

Public forum

Mr Foster, who is keen to organise a public forum, also wants to know if enough is being done to encourage youngsters from poor backgrounds to become involved in sport out of school hours.

"Despite the fact that sport is very popular in this country, we have low participation rates, with only a third of people doing enough sport and activity to keep them healthy," he said.

"Asking local sports clubs for their views will help policy makers like me get to the right solutions.

"There is some really short-sighted practice - such as a school that will not allow young people to play cricket during the summer holidays, on an artificial wicket, because of damage to the grass!"

"Obtaining the views of local clubs and engaging in a real debate about the future of sport in the city will have benefits for the young and old alike who are keen on sport, the clubs themselves and the wider community, who may find less vandalism and disorder takes place when kids get involved in sport."

Mr Foster said he would pass on the responses to a huge public consultation exercise, which is currently being carried out by the Labour Party.

The consultation will help to shape the party's policies in the medium and long-term, including the manifesto for the next General Election.