County cricket ground could move

Coventry could become the new home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club if proposals to redevelop its current ground are not approved.

Coventry City Council has offered the club the option to build a new ground on land near the Ricoh Arena.

The club is based in Edgbaston, Birmingham where the city council meets on Thursday to discuss a £30m revamp.

The club has said if proposals are not approved it may not be able to host international games.

Boundaries 'no issue'

Kevin Foster, deputy leader of Coventry council, said the fact the city was not in Warwickshire was not an issue.

"For me, it's about the fact that it is an opportunity to bring a lot of investment to the north of the city and have a first class sports facility," he said.

He added he thought the club would remain in Edgbaston but said it was a good opportunity for Coventry to put itself forward as a viable option.

Plans have been submitted to Birmingham City Council to build a new stand and a new development with housing, offices, a hotel and shops, at its Pershore Road site.

Existing houses would have to be demolished for it to be able to go ahead.

Birmingham council planners have recommended the proposal should be approved with a final decision being made later by the government.

Source: BBC Sport
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8047567.stm