HARRIERS and Worcester City have agreed a one-season ground-share arrangement to stay at Aggborough.

The deal also includes an option to extend by another year while Kidderminster’s neighbours continue to pursue a new home.

City are currently in their second season at the Hoo Road-based ground but both clubs have been affected pitch drainage problems, which have forced several matches to be called off.

Worcester will continue to pay Harriers a set sum on a match-by-match basis for the hire and use of Aggborough and its facilities.

Harriers chairman Ken Rae said: “I am pleased that Kidderminster Harriers and Worcester City have been able to come to an arrangement which suits both football clubs.

“It is clear that the playing surface at Aggborough this season has not been up to standard and plans are in place to make the necessary improvements in the close season.

“I would like to highlight that these planned improvements would have been implemented regardless of whether or not a further ground-share agreement with Worcester was signed.

“We are well aware that these improvements need to be made, whether it would have been one team or two teams playing at Aggborough next season, and we are optimistic that these improvements will rectify a number of issues with our pitch.

“This agreement will benefit both parties going forward and we are happy to continue to assist City as they pursue their aim of returning to Worcester.”

City chairman Anthony Hampson said: “The club has again considered all the options available to it and is grateful to all who have offered to share their facilities.

“However, having concluded that it wishes to continue to play football at its current level, Aggborough remained the obvious choice.

“Both clubs are aware that there have been issues with the Aggborough playing surface this season and arrangements are in place to rectify this during the close season.

“City will contribute to the cost of these works by paying an increased rental charge from next season.

“Despite the challenges of playing away from Worcester, the board remains ambitious and wishes to compete at the highest possible level during its period of ground share.

“It also wishes to give the manager the opportunity to continue to play the attractive brand of football and attract the standard of player we have become used to.

“The board genuinely feels that this move allows Worcester City to retain some of its ambition but while also guarding its future.

“Renewing the arrangement with Harriers remains an interim measure whilst City continues to pursue its ultimate ambition of returning to Worcester.

“The Perdiswell Planning application is now out for consultation and the club would urge all its supporters and partners to get behind that scheme.

“Also, it is important not to lose sight of the need to ensure that the club remains viable.

“The board of directors would therefore urge all supporters to continue to support the club through attendance at matches.

“From its part the club will be looking carefully at season ticket and admission prices to ensure that prices remain attractive and affordable.

“The board is extremely grateful to Ken Rae and the board at Kidderminster for agreeing to extend our arrangement.

“We are also extremely grateful to all staff and supporters of Kidderminster Harriers for the way in which they have assisted the club and made us feel welcome during the past two seasons.

“It really does demonstrate a lot of county solidarity and the board hopes that this relationship continues long into the future.”