Statement from the Board of Directors
It is with huge regret and disappointment we have to announce that our National League home fixture this Saturday against Torquay United must be played behind closed doors, with no spectators present.
On the 15th January 2022 during our National League home fixture against Dover Athletic, a section of the Pitch Perimeter Barrier failed. In collaboration with the local council and relevant safety authorities, we put in place a plan to mitigate the risk of this happening again whilst we worked in parallel to find and secure a company to replace the existing barrier in its entirety. This plan largely succeeded in our last home fixture against Wrexham but unfortunately there was a further incident in the final minute of the game when the visitors scored their winning goal.
Last night the club were surprised and disappointed to receive a letter from the local council with a prohibition notice informing us that home matches must be played behind closed doors, with no spectators admitted, until the remedial works to replace the entire Pitch Perimeter Barrier have been completed. Work had already commenced to secure the materials and labour required and we are doing everything possible to ensure the new fence is in place and tested in time for our next home fixture against Weymouth on 12th March 2022.
Tickets purchased for the game against Torquay United this Saturday will be automatically refunded today, any questions can be directed via email to our Ticket Office at tickets@wealdstonefc.com
This is a huge blow to the club and our supporters. Despite the pandemic, the club has invested £200,000 over the last 2-years on improving the stadium and supporter facilities. Spectator safety is of paramount importance and we will do whatever it takes in order to ensure this situation is resolved and look forward to welcoming Stones fans and visiting supporters back to The Vale as quickly as possible. We will keep our supporters updated as and when we have further news.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WEALDSTONE FOOTBALL CLUB