THERE is new hope that cricket coach Hartley Alleyne will be allowed to stay in the country following an intervention by Immigration Minister Liam Byrne.

An 11th hour appeal by Canterbury MP Julian Brazier has persuaded Mr Byrne to ask the Border and Immigration Agency to reconsider the former West Indies cricketer’s case.

In a letter to the MP, the minister says: “In the light of the particular circumstances, a decision has now be made to review Mr Alleyne’s case with regard to his family and private life in the UK.”

Mr Brazier said he was delighted a new review had been ordered adding: “I will continue to press for a successful outcome for this most deserving man.”

Mr Alleyne was coaching cricket at St Edmund’s School in Canterbury when he was refused a work permit and threatened with deportation.

He has lived in the UK for nearly 30 years, playing professional cricket and coaching. He also has two children living in the UK but is separated from their mother.

He said: “I have a glimmer of hope now and that is good news. I am just grateful for all the support I have received from everyone and just hope the Immigration Agency now finds in my favour.

“I also hope one day to get back to coaching cricket to kids, which is what I love to do.”