By Andrew Gidley

Kent's acting chief executive Jamie Clifford this week refused to elaborate on the county’s rapid U-turn following the controversial removal of country membership.

The move announced in the new pricing structure for the 2010 season last week created an immediate backlash from unhappy members who threatened to lobby for a Special EGM.

Chairman George Kennedy predicted last week the increases wouldn’t please everyone and expected “one or two comments” but the website forum was flooded with complaints.

Middlesex-based member Paddy Briggs led calls for the EGM, seeking the names of 100 members needed.

He said: “The structure for 2010 represented a radical change.....the membership categories have been altered with some disappearing entirely but costs have increased substantially.

“Whatever our personal situation or circumstances surely few members can be sanguine about such a change to the structure being made without prior warning and consultation.”

Country members, those living more than one county away from Kent will now pay £100, half the new full members subscription.

In an open letter to country members sent out on Monday, Mr Clifford (pictured) defended the decision to remove the category. He said: “It was clearly being abused, which had grown out of control and become a major concern.

“Your heartfelt pleas have been passed to the General Committee and it has therefore been agreed to reinstate the membership. It is clear the club must do all it can to find a way to accomodate our genuine long distance supporters.”

Membership will be limited to 11 matches a season per member and the county are now demanding proof of residence even for exisiting members, using either the electorial roll or a council tax bill.