warned not to travel unless they have tickets for the match.

It is estimated that several hundred people from the Island intend making the journey to Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, for the fifth Test between the West Indies and England.

But many of those travelling independently or through flight-only companies may end up disappointed.

And even those whose tickets are confirmed are likely to end up in stand which is currently under construction, The Royal Gazette has learned.

The problem has been caused by the unprecedented demand from English supporters following their win there on the last tour in 1994. The match, in which opening batsman Alec Stewart scored two centuries, ended the West Indies' 49-year unbeaten run at the ground.

This year, up to 10,000 visitors are expected to travel to Bridgetown -- causing a major headache for the Caribbean island's cricket association, who reportedly accused tour operators in the UK of confirming packages without first securing ticket allocations.

Barbados Cricket Association business manager Rollins Howard said it was unlikely any seats would be available for those turning up at the gate for the game, which runs from March 12-16.

But he revealed that an old stand, the Mitchie, which could accommodate several hundred extra spectators, had been demolished and was being rebuilt in time for the Test.

And it is there that the majority of Bermudians are likely to be placed -- instead of the Hall and Griffiths and Three Ws stands where they traditionally sit.

Pam Maybury, of Meyer Travel, which has arranged packages for about 500 cricket fans from the Island, admitted there had been problems over tickets.

"We didn't get what we ordered,'' she said. "We got enough but not in the areas we normally get. They have a new stand, though, which is apparently very nice, with upper and lower seating.'' Furthermore, accommodation on Barbados is likely to be at a premium and Maybury warned those who had not already booked hotel rooms to do so quickly.

She said: "The Test in Barbados is usually in April but the schedule is different this year. Accommodation is scarce and because it's high season it's more expensive.''