WORCESTERSHIRE have decided not to stage a first-class match at Kidderminster's Chester Road ground next year.

The Birmingham League club's headquarters has been the venue for a County Championship game for the past last 16 seasons.

Worcestershire have performed in 63 Championship matches at Kidderminster since 1921 and resumed playing there in 1987 after a 14-year break.

Explaining the move to end their annual trip to Chester Road, the County's Chief Executive Mark Newton said today: "We appreciate this will be an emotive issue with a number of people but we have made the decision to stage all our first-class cricket at New Road in 2003.

"Our attendances at Championship matches last season at New Road rose by 23 per cent. Geographically Worcestershire is a small county and transport links to the County Ground are good. More second eleven cricket will be played at Kidderminster in future years.

"The County is very lucky to have such a good facility available in case of an emergency as happened in 2001 and we value the relationship we have with all the people at Chester Road."

Highlights of Worcestershire's 2003 season include a four-day game against Zimbabwe and a one-day match with South Africa. New Road will also host a four-day U19 Test between England and South Africa.

The County's first home game next year will be a Championship match against Shane Warne's Hampshire which will open on April 18.

Other hot spots include a likely home draw against Yorkshire in the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy - if the County overcome the Worcestershire Cricket Board.

New Road skipper Graeme Hick's men will also play three home matches in the new 20-over competition during the height of summer.