On Tuesday, March 5, Wakefield Council issued a prohibition notice to the rugby league club, directing them to restrict the number of people permitted on the Post Office Road terrace.
Before Rovers’ Challenge Cup rivalry match against local rivals Wakefield Trinity, the local government began enforcement action.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service is aware that until safety barriers are installed and tested, the stand’s capacity will be lowered from 2,463 to 359.
If numbers are not lowered, there is feared to be a “imminent risk” to the safety of spectators.
Joe Jenkinson, the senior planning officer for the council, stated in a statement released today, March 8, that “we and the club cannot knowingly put people in danger.”
When Rovers and Trinity play each other in the fifth round cup encounter on Sunday, it will be their first competitive matchup in 26 years.
“We are disappointed to announce that we have received an instruction from Wakefield Council to substantially reduce the capacity of Post Office Road Terrace for this weekend’s game,” reads a statement on the Rovers website.We continue to communicate with the council regarding the enhancements they would like to see, and we will evaluate these in light of our future budgetary plans.
According to the club, Sunday terrace access will be on a “first come, first served basis.”
“There won’t be any issues in terms of accommodating all supporters from both clubs because the main stand, the community stand, and the stable will all be available for home fans,” the statement continues.
The service director for planning, transport and strategic highways at the council, Mr Jenkinson, stated, “We did not make the decision to send the notice to the club lightly.
Our district values the rugby league clubs and their supporters much, and we will always make an effort to assist them.
“To be clear, we are not requesting last-minute changes from the club.”
The club has been informed “over the last several months” by the council that “essential safety work needs to be carried out,” according to Mr. Jenksinson.
He added: “Without this work there is a significant safety risk on this stand, especially where large numbers are concerned.
“We and the club cannot knowingly put people in danger.
“The club assured us that the rest of the stands will provide enough capacity for the crowd expected to come along for this important derby.
“We’ll continue to do what we can to support Featherstone to carry out this essential safety work.”
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