Swindon Town Football Club is aware of recent speculation across the local and national press concerning safety at the Nigel Eady County Ground.
As part of the annual safety audit conducted by Swindon Borough Council and the Event Safety Advisory Group (ESAG), a series of routine maintenance tasks were identified at the County Ground earlier this summer.
These assessments are standard practice ahead of every new season and ensure the safety and operational readiness of the stadium.
Among the works highlighted in the audit were the following:
- A section of unsupported roof decking around the southwest floodlight in the Town End required securing to ensure safety.
- Confirmation was needed that static fire marshals would be in place at high-risk points during all home fixtures until the fire detection system upgrade was completed.
- The trophy cabinet in the reception area required removal to allow for reinstatement of proper fire protection.
- The Operations Manual was due for submission in draft format.
- A fully operational back-up control room was required to be established.
- Lightning protection systems and conductors needed to be installed and confirmed operational.
- A Legionella risk assessment was needed, alongside maintenance work to the water tank.
- Repair or replacement work was necessary on gates E1 and E10.
- A back-up generator control switch for the secondary control room needed to be checked and confirmed functional.
Despite reports, we would like to reassure supporters that all outstanding and necessary maintenance works have been completed as scheduled, in line with our annual summer maintenance and upgrade programme.
Following the removal of the existing trophy cabinet to allow for reinstatement of proper fire protection, a new, compliant cabinet has been ordered and will be installed in accordance with current fire safety regulations.As is standard practice every season, Swindon Borough Council and the ESAG (Event Safety Advisory Group) conduct a full safety audit of the stadium. This year’s audit highlighted a number of routine maintenance tasks, none of which were considered a concern by either Swindon Town Football Club or Swindon Borough Council in terms of timely completion.
We have worked in close coordination with the relevant local authorities throughout this process to ensure that all necessary safety measures and compliance work are in place ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Cambridge United.
As of today, all required work has been fully completed and finalised in accordance with the agreed schedule, and has now been officially approved by ESAG and Swindon Borough Council following their inspection this morning (Friday 8 August).
Further work is required at Stratton Bank to ensure it can be opened, should demand necessitate its use. The following tasks have been identified to facilitate its safe reopening:
- Barrier testing – Completed
- E10 Emergency Gate – Works in progress
- Replacement of seating – Works in progress
- Demolition of Stratton Bank toilets – Scheduled for week commencing 11 August
- Painting of access and egress areas – Works in progress
While these works are ongoing, Swindon Borough Council and Swindon Town Football Club continue to work closely to complete all necessary requirements. As Stratton Bank is not currently needed for standard matchday operations, the works can progress without disruption.
However, should there be sufficient demand, it is our intention to have the Stratton Bank operational and ready for use for the fixture against Reading on Tuesday 2 September.
The club holds documented reports of incidents involving children being knocked over or trampled during goal celebrations, as a result of crowd surges down the gangways in sections T1 and T2 of the Town End at the Nigel Eady County Ground.
This issue has also been observed and raised by the relevant licensing authorities during recent matchday safety inspections.
Following a recent risk assessment, conducted in line with both health and safety and safeguarding legislation, the Club has determined that, in order to reduce the risk of serious injury to children, it is necessary to restrict access to T1 and T2 to adults only. This decision has been made to prioritise the safety and well-being of younger supporters.
This risk mitigation measure is fully supported by the Safety Advisory Group, the body responsible for issuing the Club’s Safety Certificate.
Accordingly, supporters must be aged 18 or over to purchase tickets for seating in T1 and T2. Age verification will be required at the point of purchase to ensure compliance with this policy.
We enjoy a strong, positive relationship with both Swindon Borough Council and the ESAG and are grateful for their continued support in ensuring the Nigel Eady County Ground remains a safe and welcoming environment for all supporters.
We look forward to welcoming fans back to the County Ground this weekend.
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