Swindon Town update fans amid fan concerns at the County Ground
They've issued an update to supporters on the Nigel Eady County Ground
Swindon Town FC have issued a series of statements to fans - amid concerns being raised at home fixtures at the Nigel Eady County Ground in recent weeks.
Safety measures
Explaining the concerns raised by fans on the safety measures, when the Robins took on Crewe Alexandra - the result of which you can read more about via this link.
Because of the adverse weather conditions - namely the fog - the match was paused four minutes into the game, and it took nearly an hour for the first half to get underway again.
They say the freezing fog 'drifted into the ground' - and despite extensive salting in the morning, the water started to re-freeze.
They say 'a number of options were considered including not opening the Don Rogers Stand and moving fans into the Town End and Arkells', but add a safety inspector was satisfied with the precautions put in place.
However, they also noted that fans had broken through the hazard tape even though they had been advised not to.
They said:
- Extensive salting took place over the Don Rogers Stand with the exception of the back rows which were hazard taped off across the gangways
- The sale of tickets for the Don Rogers was stopped
- Fans were allowed to enter the concourse but not the stands until the salting had been completed
- PA messages were given advising fans in the Don Rogers to be careful in the ice, apologising they might not be able to sit in their usual seat
Turnstiles
The next issue addressed by Swindon Town was the turnstiles at the Don Rogers stand, during both the fixtures against Colchester and Crewe.
They said: "The Club works extremely hard to get fans into the stadium in a safe and efficient manner as quickly as possible and recent matchdays have seen a trend of supporters arriving at the ground shortly before the scheduled kick-off.
"As a result of the required ticket checks, bag and pat down searches before passing through the turnstiles, we would ask all fans to arrive at least half an hour before kick-off to ensure they’re able to take your seat before the match starts."
CCTV
They have also addressed concerns raised about a CCTV camera - which has been noted by a fan on social media, in the Away End.
They added: "We are aware that following Birmingham’s visit to the County Ground on Tuesday 14 January, that a visiting supporter has raised concern over the location of one of our Security Cameras within the Away End of the Arkell’s Stand.
“The camera is positioned to see the away kiosk, the segregation between home and away fans as well as the emergency exit staircase and concourse.
"The camera does not have a view into the toilets, as this is blocked by a digital privacy blur, fitted by security professionals who, along with the club, must adhere to safeguarding and privacy guidelines.”
We're also told that the CCTV system is operated by a Security Industry Authority licensed security officer under the management of the safety officer and at times Wiltshire Police.
Bosses said: "Following our last report of concern surrounding the camera’s location during our fixture against AFC Wimbledon last season, we increased CCTV signage around all areas of the Away End and across the stadium.
"The footage is used for the identification of individuals in the away section of the concourse in the event of an incident. It is shared with the police upon request. The CCTV footage is retained for 30 days. For further information refer to the Club’s CCTV Policy which can be accessed on our website.
"However, whilst the Club is confident that the current arrangements comply fully with data protection legislation we will investigate the possibility of providing additional measures as soon as possible to allay fans concerns."
The Robins add they are working closely with supporter groups, key club partners and supporters.
Anyone with concerns is urged to email to [email protected].