Coalville Town have received council backing for the Covid-19 safety measures taken by the football club - saying they are 'really pleased' with the efforts made.

Capacity for games has been reduced to 500 from 600 on the advice of North West Leicestershire District Council.

But Ravens' officials have also increased the number of stewards at games to ensure coronavirus rules are adhered to.

A drone was to have been used by the council for Coalville's home match with Rushden & Diamonds last Saturday, but poor weather prevented that.

Lee Mansfield, Environmental Health Team Manager at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "To ensure that the transmission of Covid-19 is reduced during football matches at Coalville Town Football Club, we have advised that capacity is limited.

"The club has acted responsibly and has taken action to increase the number of stewards working at each game to make sure attendees are following social distancing and rule of six restrictions.

"We are really pleased with the club's efforts so far to keep match days Covid-safe and will continue to work with them to ensure measures are maintained throughout the season."

Coalville chairman Glyn Rennocks also posted details of the club's efforts and their talks with the council on the club's official website.

He said: "Following on from the update I gave last week we have had further discussions with representatives of North West Leicestershire District Council and Leicestershire County Council.

"They have acknowledged the improvements we have made and we are working together to try and make watching Coalville Town as safe as possible for everyone who attends.

"We will be making some further changes. These are as follows:

• We have decided to reduce the capacity from 600 to 500 for these games. As a result 460 tickets will be available to purchase via our online ticketing system and a maximum of 40 will be available to pay on the gate.

• Whilst it's not mandatory the Council have asked that we encourage all supporters to wear masks, even when outside watching the game. The advice is that shouting, singing etc increases the risk of someone with Covid-19 spreading it.

• We will have more than one turnstile open for the game, if a steward directs you to an alternative turnstile please follow their instructions.

• We have decided to employ additional stewards for the games who will be monitoring the Groups of Six and Social Distancing. Again, please comply with their instructions otherwise you may be asked to leave the ground.

"Along with any events that are currently taking place with crowds we are under scrutiny from the authorities to ensure we are complying with the Social Distancing laws.

"As a club we can only do so much and we are relying on you the supporters to play your part and ensure you maintain the distancing measures to ensure football can continue at Coalville Town.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to once again thank you for the support you have given the team and the club this season, we really appreciate it."