As I remember, having been in both stands the ends are quite similar.
At the end of each stand is one double staircase that runs parallel to the pitch. these cut in behind the first couple of stands. With there being no ceiling in the East, only the stadium roof, there would be little point in putting up a simple gate, even if they could find one to put in.
It seems like the stadium was designed to make the north stand for the away fans. I think this is the problem AP has run into. Either externally or internally - there is a problem with every other location.