Regarding tonights home game against Scunthorpe there will be some additional measures. Taken from the club website, here is the text below we want to highlight. .
ADDITIONAL SEARCHES
Please be aware that in conjunction with Greater Manchester Police, there will be an increased number of police officers and safety stewards around the stadium.
Please arrive in good time, follow the directions of safety staff, and help us maintain a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for all.
With this in mind …
Recently, prior to the Carlisle game, we passed on additional match information, including the club’s proposed security measures and the recommendation that fans allow a little extra time for entry.
Following the match (Carlisle), we received several messages regarding exiting the Pearl Street Stand after the Carlisle game. Concerns focused on barriers erected around the 80th minute that blocked fans from exiting via the Pearl Street Willbuts corner, hindered toilet access, and made departure difficult due to excessive fan use at one gate. Several concerns were expressed.
We raised all of these points with the club through the operations manager, Chris Garland, and the MD, Andy Duff. Although we received clarification and an acknowledgement from them, given the imminent Fans Forum (12th Feb), we asked whether it could be addressed at the Fans Forum. Andy’s comprehensive reply will form part of the video taken from the evening (see HERE), and a more concise explanation can be viewed.
However, to reassure fans, we include replies we had from Andy and Chris on the subjects we raised. We publish them for clarity and with the approval of both Andy and Chris.
First, in response to an additional concern about toilets, which we thought was not covered in greater detail at the forum, Andy not only addressed this in correspondence with us but also clarified a barrier that some fans suggested was closed. The text below is taken from his reply to our Trust Club Board Director, Vince Ashall
Toilets at match end:
These will remain available for fans to use and the stewards can allow fans entry and exit to use the toilets. This will be part of the stewards’ briefing for Tuesday night.
Blue Barrier (near the shop) down:
Following the Fans Forum, I’ve double-checked the position. This barrier needs to remain down and closed as it is part of the Blue Route to allow emergency vehicles free access into the stadium. Keeping it down stops cars trying to exit via that route and always clear passages for the emergency vehicles. Finally, the barrier forms part of our Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Plan (people driving cars into walking fans like the incident in Liverpool) so needs to remain closed as part of that policy.
We are also grateful for the very timely reply from Chris Garland, Operations Manager who also replied imediatly to our concerns which we raised on behalf of several PearlStreet Fans.
Chris clarified this
Just to clarify the toilet question for the Pearl St stand.
From the 80th minute or as close as we can, the barriers will go across the exit gates in Pearl St, this will ensure egress is by Gate 16 only. The toilets under the control room will be available for supporters, and the gate will remain open during this time.
He went on to explain that when required, this method is a proven safety measure which reduces antisocial behaviour, which some may indulge in and reduces immediate direct away and home fan exposure at the end of a game.
Chris went on to explain that this process will occur only in risk fixtures.
If members/Fans have any other concerns then the Trust will action the quiriy with the club and reply as soon as possible.
You can contact the trust here info@daletrust.co.uk or vince@daletrust.co.uk
You can view the fans’ forum either by clicking the link in the text or clicking the start below.
