SELHURST PARK – SAFETY ADVISORY GROUP
Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 12th February 2015
Present Representing
Michael Goddard (Chair) - LBC
Shriya Koosyial - LBC
Clare Godfrey - LBC
Sophia Braithwaite - LBC
Adrian Roberts - CPFC (Head of Safety & Security)
Harvey Martin - Met Police
Jon Tibbatts - Met Police
Geoff Galilee - SGSA Inspector
Sue Maisey - PISA (CPST)
Chris Plummer - CPST
Apologies: Bob Penny, Jason Ashman, Phil Young, Jackie Edgerton, Aaron Tarry, Les Blake, Mick Emery
PART A
AGENDA ITEM / DECISION/ACTION AGREED / ACTION BY /1. Previous Minutes from meeting on 4th December and matters arising / Matters will be carried over to the following meeting;
AT to update on Traffic Warden availability during home games, following confirmation with Parking Services.
JE to feedback on January’s meeting with Network Rail following issues with communication.
JE to provide any updates from Thames Water regarding flooding issues on Whitehorse Lane.
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AR confirmed that the fencing round the Groundsman’s shed has been completed. There are more alterations to be carried out to the area but these have no safety implications.
AR advised that there is no appetite from CPFC to contribute to the cost of the new drop signs. HM suggested he follows this up with AT outside of the meeting to look at alternatives options.
AR advised that the club have been in contact with LBC Regeneration Team to discuss new direction signs to the ground. There are extensive improvement works being carried out in Thornton Heath so it is hoped the signage can be included.
AR advised that he will discuss the progress of the new carry chairs with Les on his return, and update in the next meeting.
AR advised that Phil Young has attended various meetings at the stadium to address immediate issues. The full inspection and walk round is not due until the closed season, following the annual report.
GG advised that the guidance about the use of Drones has now been circulated, and is also available on the SGSA website.
Investigations into the matter have found that TV companies do not find them useful, but in the event they did want to use them, they would request permission from the club.
AR advised he has never received any requests for permission, however will start including this subject in discussions with production companies.
HM advised that unauthorised use of Drones is an offence and can be prosecuted. / AT
JE
JE
AR/AT
LB / AR
AR / PY
2. Reports from Club / Match Day Reports
Match reports to be circulated as soon as possible. Apologies given.
No major issues have been reported but full breakdowns will be given in the reports.
There were some issues with crowding and congestion at the Tottenham game prior to kick off. AR advised he was monitoring the situation closely at the time, and has confirmed that the problem was localised to the bars and toilet area at the back of the Arthur Waite stand. Once stadium staff got people into their seats, the situation was resolved. CCTV has been reviewed and contingency plans have been written and will be put into place for future games, including the use of social media to request earlier arrivals at the ground.
SM asked what plans are in place for future problems.
AR advised there are plans to re-develop the corner of the Arthur Waite stand during the closed season.
Plans are being made to change the layout of the corner to maximise useable space. These changes may be subject to planning permission from LBC.
MG recommended looking into lead in time for applications so work can commence in the closed season, if permission is granted.
AR confirmed that smoking is still occurring in open spaces and can be tolerated, subject to risk however there are some instances where people smoke in places they shouldn’t. They are looking to add a canopy over the stairs at the back of the stand(s) to discourage people from standing on and around the stairs.
There was one pitch incursion at the Tottenham game which was dealt with quickly.
There was a coin throwing incident at the Newcastle game. A Police investigation is currently underway.
Standing at Matches
GG noted there has been an improvement with standing at matches but advised the main issues at the ground are now migration and spreading. This needs to be kept on top of and gangways also need to be kept clear at all times.
AR acknowledged that there is more of an issue in the Lower Holmesdale stands with standing - primarily the front rows in Block E. The club have written to all fans in the relevant stands and the situation will continue to be monitored. Reminders will be delivered throughout matches via face to face interaction, messages on screens and over loud speakers.
AR is also looking at the option of offering alternative seats to individuals for the new season, so they are not having their view obstructed by those standing in the front rows.
GG suggested that having a restricted view could result in them not being able to sell tickets for the seats affected, which would have an effect on income for the club. / AR
AR
AR
JT/HM/AR
AR
3. Reports from Emergency Services / Police
JT advised he has been in place since the Aston Villa game and has no major issues to report.
Home;
Yesterday’s Newcastle game was okay, despite issues with the turnstiles. Both sets of waiting fans were patient and calm. The coin throwing incident is under investigation and all footage is being reviewed.
There were 4 arrests made in one of the local pubs prior to kick off at the Everton game. The incident was contained and no trouble was brought to the ground.
Away;
There were a few issues at Southampton but the main cause of this was due to poor organisation of ticket sales. Season ticket holders were able to buy 8 tickets each, which led to touting outside the stadium as well as a number of unknown supporters attending the match.
There were a number of issues at the Dover game, which include standing and pyrotechnics being let off inside.
GG advised that the SGSA do not regulate conference grounds however Dover are looking to put contingencies in place for any future matches.
There was an incident at St. Pancras train station following an away game at Leicester, where 2 arrests were made.
Police to review the footage to see if they are able to identify any fans.
LAS / SJA
N/a
LFB
N/a
AR explained that the local fire brigade carried out a site visit recently to review and update their records of the site. The local FB are keen to be part of the contingency plans to be discussed / agreed during closed season. / JT
4. Any other business / SM raised an issue with the ladies toilets in the Lower Holmesdale Road stands. The floor is often very wet and slippery which is a safety risk.
AR explained there is an issue with the guttering at the rear of the stand which allows water to leak in when the weather is bad. Repair work to the guttering is scheduled to take place and a new floor surface will be laid. In the meantime there is a continual cleaning process in place, before and during the matches, to keep water levels to a minimum.
AR will provide a progress update in the next meeting.
SM raised concerns over viewing issues for wheelchair users.
AR advised that they have now erected a raised platform to combat this. Visit Football recently reviewed facilities at the ground and a mystery shopper attended the Everton game. The feedback received from Visit Football was very positive.
SM also mentioned the current audio communication channels available to disabled fans.
Sue produced an ear piece, attached to a lanyard which is used at Burnley. This is tuned into the local radio frequency to communicate any safety issues. Is this something CPFC would look into?
AR acknowledged there are issues with the Loop but advised that work is currently being carried out.
It was also requested that Sue send in any issues of this nature so they can be raised in the appropriate meetings, and feedback can be given.
SM reported a ridge in the pavement outside the entrance to E5, which is causing problems for wheelchair users.
AR advised this is outside of the stadium, therefore has been reported to LBC Highways team.
MG has offered to chase up if necessary
GG explained there may be some changes for 2016 / 17 season in relation to funding for educational training. This will specifically affect training for stewards which is currently funded by the Skills Funding Agency.
Geoff will circulate notes.
AR suggested they may look into in-house training as an alternative option.
GG also reminded that the SGSA conference is due to take place on 17th March and invites have been sent out. / AR
Dates of Next Meeting / Date of next meeting is:
Wednesday 29 April 2015
10.00 am start at Selhurst Park / ALL TO NOTE
Circulation: In addition to those above, copies to be passed to: Tony Brooks & Andy Opie.
Produced by: Clare Godfrey
Date: 12th February 2015
Selhurst Park Safety Advisory Group 1 of 5 12/02/15