Sheffield Wednesday issued with safety order

Sheffield Wednesday has been told to change how it manages supporters after safety concerns outside the Leppings Lane end of Hillsborough Stadium.

A prohibition notice orders the club to stop home fans being released from the north and south stands on to the forecourt at the stadium's west end.

Problems at that end, where away supporters leave, led to the Hillsborough disaster 30 years ago.

The club apologised to fans "for any inconvenience caused" by the measures.

Concerns were raised following crowd trouble at the derby fixture between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United in March.

Sheffield City Council said it had been talking to the club and South Yorkshire Police, with the move made ahead of another local derby on Saturday, when Barnsley are due at Hillsborough.

Steve Lonnia, chair of the council's safety advisory group, said: "Following the submission of a report commissioned by South Yorkshire Police that highlighted issues with regards to public safety on the Leppings Lane forecourt, the council and police have worked very closely with Sheffield Wednesday to resolve these issues.

"Due to the evidence presented in the report, we immediately requested that the club submit proposals to deal with the issues raised.

"A prohibition notice has been served that means there will be no access or egress from the north and south stands on to the Leppings Lane forecourt for home supporters."

In a statement, Sheffield Wednesday said: "Supporters can be assured that we are working diligently to resolve this matter and are fully committed to defending our position using all available legal routes in order for the prohibition notice to be lifted at the earliest opportunity.

"We have worked around the clock with the EFL to ensure that Saturday's game goes ahead in full accordance with the prohibition notice.

"The club notes the criminal offence nature of such a notice served and the ramifications of a failure to comply."

South Yorkshire Police said: "We received the proposals from the club to address the concerns ahead of tomorrow's match, at 10:00 BST this [Friday] morning.

"We will work in partnership, in the time now available, to seek a positive outcome but our priority will always remain public safety."

 

And they want 39 nicker from us to sit in that deathtrap. Beyond tinpot, that "club".

 

And it took a report to work that out.

Anyone who went there over the last 40 years could tell you that.

It was mentioned on here earlier this week. SYP could do better consulting the BBS.

 

The notice was served on Wednesday I believe in June and have sat on it since.

 

didn't think it was possible to hate them anymore than I already do.....but lo and behold
it is

 

Is there a possibility the game might not go ahead?

 

They've already sold more tickets for the North Stand than allowed under the new safety order. This means they will have to move the surplus fans to other parts of the ground. That should be fun. They are going to count them in via stewards with 'clickers' apparently. I thought turnstile technology was sophisticated enough for that to be unnecessary these days.

 

As I've commented before, last time I was on that terrace the steps were crumbling,
and some of the seats had broken away from their moorings.

There was shed loads of barrier tape to one side of the terracing warning supporters
that that particular area was not safe. I told my mate that day, I would never set foot in the place
ever again and I'm determined that I won't, especially at the extortionate prices that they charge.

 

Firstly, fair play to SYP on this matter. That area of the ground is badly designed, and they are right to ensure Wednesday look at improving it. Sounds like Weds may not have thought SYP would take it that seriously.

Secondly, it’s amazing that the leppings lane end is still there. It’s not fit for purpose, and never was. After what happened there, you’d had thought it might have been demolished and rebuilt years ago.....

Finally, I’m not sure why Barnsley have limited tickets though. Surely by closing that side of the ground to home fans actually makes it safer and therefore shouldn’t affect us whatsoever - or have they limited away fans too until it’s resolved?

 

Totally agree. It's amazing that Hillsborough was 30 years ago and it was a sh.thole then, and the bloody death trap is still standing, just.

It's not just outside, and it's not just the state of lower tier terrace. The concourse upstairs is so small for the numbers that can sit up there its beyond comprehension that it passes modern safety certificate thresholds. At H-T you cannot move an inch. If that upper tier needed evacuating in an emergency it would be carnage.

When you think of the money that club has spunked over the years on mediocre players whilst that dump waits to be demolished it beggars belief.

 

Yup, it’s dangerous. I wouldn’t take my young lad there. The staircase from upstairs is like a temp scaffold affair.

That’s why I always prefer Sheff Utd - at least they’ve put money into Bramall Lane to make it a good stadium with good facilities.

 

Not sure what the 'new' plans are but years ago (I'm told!) Away fans were kept in the ground until the Home fans had dispersed.
But someone challenged this at a National level and it was found to be illegal to actually do that.

 

Hillsborough, a sh1thole within a sh1thole.

 

I thought their turn styles counted 5 people when 1 walked through... it would definitely account for the empty terraces when they claim the massive home crowds...

 

A trip to Oakwell and the spirit lifts.

Hillsbro' - it's a bit like Auschwitz - no bird ever sings there and you'll never see a smiling face.

Hillsbro - must be the most depressing stadium in the most depressing area in the whole Football League with the most miserable fans - even worse than Luton!

 

Due to the state of that ground I wouldn't put it past there being another tragedy of some sorts and they have the nerve to call us and ours

 

Sadly, I’ve always thought the same myself, especially the away end.

Usually when then amount of people are killed and injured, public buildings are often demolished and rebuilt.

 

Can't remember who told me but they said that the last time they were there they felt like the stand was actually rocking... coupled with the wind and vibration of folk just being in there...

 

That’s ok though - it’s called Dynamic loading and similar to when you’re sat in your car on a motorway bridge and you can feel it move. It’s designed to do that.

Problem with Leppings Lane, is that the entrances/exits are too small, the concourses are small and narrow and the stairs down from the upper level is like temporary scaffold. Then when you do get outside after the end of the match, it’s a free-for-all with the home fans.

After the disaster, it should have been flattened and rebuilt properly. Bramall Lane is the complete opposite and is a good day out.