Coalville Town Chairman Reassures Supporters After Talks With Council And Police After Social Distancing Complaint - But Reminds Fans Of Guidelines

By Graham Hill

18th Oct 2020 | Local Sport

Coalville won 6-1 against Banbury and are top of the league. Image: Pixy.org
Coalville won 6-1 against Banbury and are top of the league. Image: Pixy.org

Coalville Town chairman Glyn Rennocks has issued reassurances to the club's supporters following social distancing concerns at home games.

He said the club had been in talks with North West Leicestershire District Counciland Leicestershire Police over the issues raised.

The message came as table-topping Coalville thrashed Banbury 6-1 in Saturday's Southern League Central Division game to preserve their unbeaten start to the season.

Goals from Billy Kee - who scored two penalties Jake Eggleton,Tim Berridge, Luke Shaw and Connor Smith sealed the win.

But while Coalville have been told they are doing a good job in adjusting to Government guidelines, the club have issued reminders to fans about what they should be doing in terms of social distancing.

Mr Rennocks says that any failure to do so would result in the ground being closed.

But he emphasised that only one person made the initial complaint.

The recent complaint followed supporters sheltering from bad weather during the game against Alfreton.

A statement from the chairman was posted on the Ravens' official website regarding Covid-19 guidelines: "Firstly I would like to thank everyone who has supported Coalville Town since this season started.

"Our average attendance has increased significantly since last season and we hope that some of the people who have been to games this season who normally follow professional teams have been surprised by the standard of football on show.

"Due to the Covid-19 situation this is the highest level of football that spectators are allowed into currently.

"This has brought challenges to the club which we have spent time over the summer addressing.

"Following the recent FA Cup game against Alfreton Town the club received a letter from North West Leicestershire District Council pointing out several alleged breaches of the current COVID-19 legislation.

"These centred around Social Distancing in the stands and people not sitting at tables whilst eating and drinking OUTSIDE around the pitch.

"Just to keep this into context, we believe this letter was instigated by just a ONE-person complaint from around approximately 2000 people who have attended our home games since this new season began.

"On Thursday along with other club officials I had an online meeting with representatives from NWLDC and Leicestershire Police to discuss the contents of the council letter.

"The council and Police overall were very supportive of the club and acknowledged that we have done a good job in trying to mitigate the risks from Covid-19 for supporters, players and officials.

"We pointed out that in terms of the serving of food and drink pitchside we are doing nothing different to any other club in the country.

"They are currently awaiting clarification from the UK Government on what we are doing and have given us permission to carry on allowing people to eat and drink OUTSIDE without it being table service until they get clarification. If the advice sent confirms we are in breach, we have options that could quickly remedy the problem.

"The main issues around social distancing are following an incident in the second half against Alfreton when the weather was unkind and we had a lot if rain and supporters gathered in the small stand at the "car park" end.

"We have been informed by the police that this cannot happen again so from this week's home against Banbury we respectfully ask supporters to help us and not gather in more than groups of six people.

"If we do have bad weather again, we ask you to use other stands around the ground to shelter but again remembering social distancing rules.

"We understand supporters like to be at the end the club is attacking but please help us in this situation.

"Our stewards who do a great job for us will be respectfully asking supporters to adhere to this.

"Please remember that all the stewards are volunteers so if they ask you to distance please do so.

"If we fail to carry this out, we could be forced to close the ground and that is the last thing we want.

"As stated above we believe just ONE person made the complaint to the police but also both I and the Secretary of the club has received anonymous letters (at different times) complaining about how certain things have been set out this season.

"If anyone has any issues or concerns, please come and talk to us first. We welcome any feedback both good and bad, support or ideas to make watching Coalville Town a better experience.

"Once again thanks to everyone for your support, the players, Adam and myself really appreciate it."

     

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