Boost for football club’s plans to welcome back fans

HARROGATE TOWN football club has been awarded a general safety certificate to hold full capacity games next season once restrictions are lifted.

The club completed works to expand its 5,000-seater EnviroVent Stadium following promotion to League Two last year but even without any Covid disruptions this many spectators could not have been allowed in until now.

This is because any Football League or Premier League ground in England that has a capacity over 5,000 must be granted permission by their local authority.

And while coronavirus restrictions have kept Town’s gates closed since January, the club’s managing director Garry Plant was awarded a general safety certificate by North Yorkshire County Council.

It marks a major boost for fans as it means the club could hold full capacity games during the 2021/22 season if the Government’s road map out lockdown stays on schedule.

Mr Plant said: “The best day is match day and we haven’t had a single one with fans this year so we can’t wait to see the stands and terraces full once again.

“We have missed our supporters so much. It is the Bradford City game this weekend – can you imagine how much of a great atmosphere that would have been?

“The council have been extremely supportive of our plans – especially the safety advisory team – and we would like to give them a big thanks.”

Under the Government’s road map, from May 17 larger outdoor sports venues will be allowed to operate at up to 25 per cent capacity with a maximum of 10,000 spectators. Restrictions will be eased further from June 21.