Town support FSF call for safe standing trials
STFC are expressing their support to the Football Supporters' Federation in its call on Government to allow a limited number of small-scale safe standing trials. After discussions with Jon Darch of the safe standing roadshows there is agreement that the club have a clear understanding of the issue of safe standing and it gives its backing for efforts to secure a policy change to allow for safe standing at football stadiums in this country in the future.
The joint statement reads, "As a club that prides itself on keeping fully abreast of the latest developments in the game, Shrewsbury Town FC has been closely monitoring the ongoing debate on safe standing.
While we moved into a new stadium in 2007 that provides comfortable, all-seater accommodation to supporters in four individual stands, we appreciate that some of our fans do prefer to watch football standing up. We recognise that the spaces in the corners between the four stands could potentially be developed one day as standing areas. However, as we naturally hope in the not too distant future to gain promotion to the Championship, where traditional terracing is not allowed for more than a couple of seasons, terraces would not be an option. Should, however, trials of safe standing areas using rail seats be permitted and prove successful, that may allow us to consider building such areas in one or two corners at some point in the future.
In order that we might have this freedom to consider that option one day, we therefore support the Football Supporters' Federation in its call on Government to allow a limited number of small-scale safe standing trials."
We both hope this clarifies the club's position and that there is no need at present for us to hold a roadshow here, but we will if the positive momentum of the initiative leads to the distinct possibility of us being able to incorporate safe standing areas in any new build.
Martin James
Head of Community Development