Home owners fight Edgbaston plan

An artist's impression of a preliminary design was released in 2007

The owners of four properties could be forced out as part of a proposed �30m revamp of Edgbaston cricket ground.

Warwickshire County Cricket Club wants to build a new pavilion and stand, and increase the Birmingham ground's capacity to more than 25,000.

But the owners of several properties on the proposed site in Pershore Road have pledged to fight to keep their homes.

Birmingham city councillors will discuss issuing compulsory purchase orders on behalf of the club.

Members of Birmingham City Council's cabinet committee dealing with property were expected to "seek approval in principle" to making the orders on Tuesday.

Warwickshire CCC chief executive Colin Povey said the club needed to buy 12 homes in Pershore Road and had obtained eight following negotiations.

'Very reluctant'

He added discussions would continue with the other four owners as the club sought to buy the properties at a fair price.

Alexandros Layos, who has lived in Pershore Road for three years, said his family were happy in the neighbourhood and "very reluctant" to leave.

"I'm definitely going to make my stand and resist any authority that makes me go away," he said.

Edgbaston, which has a capacity of 22,000, was recognised as a Test venue in 1902.

Mr Povey said it was important the ground modernised its facilities to create a "world-class stadium".

Birmingham City Council has backed the plans and said it recognised the need to improve facilities.

Mr Povey added: "Overall the scheme is clearly good news for the city.

"Nearly 4,000 jobs would be provided by the scheme and we reckon the local economy benefits by about �12m a year by hosting international cricket with the visitors and stopovers it entails."