the trust understands that the safety advisory group, the body
responsible for issuing safety certificates which allow the ground to be
opened, have issued the club an ultimatum: If the safety areas are not
kept clear through out the game the Town Ends safety certificate will be
revoked, and it will be closed, possibly indefinitely.
Tony Norris, TrustSTFC Chairman stated, “ Standing up in seated areas
has always been a very contentious issue with supporters, but the Safety
Advisory Group will force the closure of the Town End unless supporters
respect the safety areas and sit down during games”.
“It is a very sad state of affairs that it has come to this, but the
standing issues have been compounded by fans blocking the safety
thoroughfares during the game and the safety authorities will have no
option but to withdraw the certificate”, added Norris.
“The Trust are calling on supporters in the Town End to respect the
seating policy and to encourage ALL supporters to do so, otherwise there
will be no Town End. The Town End is a very important part of the County
Ground atmosphere, and all supporters must do everything in their power
to preserve it.
This is serious – Save the Town End, Stay in your seat!” Stated Trust
spokesman Andy Ratcliffe.
The Trust will be producing leaflets for the next two home games calling
for the fans to remain seated and respect the safety areas in the Town End.
The safety advisory group is comprised of representatives from the three
emergency services and the council, plus the clubs safety officer. They
are responsible for issuing safety certificates without which no sports
ground can be opened to the public. They have the power to order the
immediate closure of any part or all of the ground.