SPECTATORS at Worcester Rugby Club have been banned from entering and exiting Sixways through the main entrance on foot during match days.

The restrictions, confirmed this week by Worcester Rugby Club Safety Advisory Group, come into force immediately.

They will be in use for the first time for the home game against Saracens tomorrow.

The changes follow growing concern that a minority of fans, sometimes with children, are putting lives at risk by crossing or walking along Pershore Lane, with passing traffic travelling at up to 60 mph.

Stewards have been instructed not to let anyone on foot enter or leave via Pershore Lane on match days and WRCSAG say there will be no exceptions.

A comparatively small number of fans, estimated at 200 among the average of 8,000 who attend home Premiership matches, have consistently ignored requests made in the game programmes and over the public addresss system.

"This was particularly noticeable in the local derby against Gloucester on September 5 -- despite there being drop-off and pick-up points within the ground," said a group spokesman.

"Additionally, there are near-by park and ride and walk and ride facilities, including clearly indicated safe pedestrian routes between Wainwright Road -- through the Butterfly Farm -- and the Sixways stadium.

"There is ample car parking and safe access on foot without needing to enter Pershore Lane or use the Junction 6 M5 island on foot," said the spokesman.

"There is no justification for anyone to be walking along, or across, Pershore Lane on match days, before or after the game."