HULL CITY COUNCIL Streetscene Services Sports Ground Safety Advisory Group Meeting Tuesday 1st December 2015 Kingston Communications Stadium GENERAL MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING Present: Pete Curry - H.C.C. (Chair) Phil Parker - Hull City Council Building Control Sue Story - SGSA Ian Dixon - Humberside Police Mark Green - Humberside Police Paul Cresswell - Humberside Police Gary Neal - Humberside Police Chris Fothergill - Yorkshire Ambulance Service Mark Walster - Humberside Fire & Rescue Steve Bywood - Hull Kingston Rovers James Deacon - KC Stadium Management Company Dave Gregory - KC Stadium Management Company Steve Coultas - KC Stadium Management Company Sue Watson - KC Stadium Management Company James Mooney - Hull City Tigers Simon King - Hull City Tigers Rob Harmer - Representative of Hull City Fans Working Group Lisa Jewitt - Chairman FC Voices Khaled Choudhury - Health and Environmental Health Apologies: Mike Smith AGENDA ITEM BUSINESS ACTION 1. Introductions Introductions were made by all present. Before the meeting got underway The Chair explained that charterhouse rules applied to any of the potentially sensitive information discussed at the meeting. The Chair explained that any commercially sensitive items that anyone would like to raise could be discussed at the end of the meeting. The Chair welcomed Lisa Jewitt, Chairwoman of Voice FC to the meeting and for Lisa’s benefit explained the key objectives of the Safety Advisory Group. 2. Previous Minutes The minutes for the meeting were agreed as true record. 3. Matters Arising 17. West Park access road, parking prohibition 20th February 2015 SC was happy report that the restrictions had proved to be a great success and that access for emergency vehicles and traffic at large was now much improved. 18. Hull City V Manchester Utd It was agreed by all of those involved that while not completely nullifying the challenging behaviour posed by Manchester United fans, the control measures that were implemented to combat persistent standing, the occupation of aisles and antisocial behaviour had had a positive effect and had reduced the severity of the hazards. 4. SGSA Update New Guidance SS informed members that guidance on the alternative uses of stadia was now available for purchase at a cost of £30.00. She also informed the meeting that guidance on accessible stadia had also been released, continuing to add that this subject area was currently high on the governments agenda with Premier League clubs agreeing to make substantial improvements before 2017, it was noted that the reality of delivering improvements that would involve structural changes in such short timeframe was very demanding. It was discussed how it was worthy of Hull City A.F.C noting that these pressures would be extended to any newly promoted clubs, however it was also discussed that Level Playing Field, who are a registered charity campaigning for an inclusive match day experience and equal access for all disabled sports fans in England and Wales, had conducted an audit of the stadium approximately six weeks ago for which good feedback was received with the stadiums disabled facilities achieving 87% of the available marks. Counter Terrorism SS drew member’s attention to the recent counter terrorism circular that the government had distributed which is of particular relevance for sports grounds following the recent terrorist attacks in Paris – part of which targeted the France V’s Germany football match at the Stade De France, the affects of which were reduced by proactive stewarding. Policing of Football Matches SS explained that the Assistant Commissioner of The Metropolitan Police was currently making plans to increase the withdrawal of the force from football matches, with police free matches being phased in on a risk based approach. Recent Fatal Accidents Members were informed of a fatality that occurred in the car park of sports ground in Scunthorpe, whereby a leaving spectator’s vehicle was struck by an unsecured vehicle barrier. The Chair explained that to his knowledge this particular form of barrier was not present at any of the city’s sports grounds but that the same principal could extend to similar barriers, this stimulated a further conversation regarding another recent accident where a young boy was fatally injured when a hooped steel post used to secure sideline ropes was accidentally uprooted by two challenging players, striking the child on the head and sadly fatally injuring him, The Chair disclosed that it was his intention to inspect non certified grounds under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 Act to ensure that no similar hazards are in existence. 5. Safety Certificate charges & Special Safety Certificates The Chair explained how during these austere times government bodies had to review their operations and begin to charge fees where appropriate. Upon review it has been identified that The Local Authorities time spent facilitating club/sports ground instigated changes to general safety certificates and assisting in the formation of special safety certificates should be and will chargeable from now on. Adoption of new style of safety certification SW confirmed that the SMC were keen to adopt the new style of safety certification, she explained that work is currently going on in the back ground to hopefully implement a new style safety certificate next season, she continued to add that in her opinion it would be counterproductive and would confuse matters by attempting to bring it in mid season. For the benefit of those who are not aware, The Chair explained the key principals of both special safety certificates and the new style general safety certificate. 6. Storage of combustible materials in fire protected areas The Chair and PP summarized the problems that had been identified with the storage of combustible materials in fire protected areas, giving a broad overview of the history of informal arrangements regarding the matter that had ultimately failed. It was made clear to all that from this point forward a zero policy approach to keeping fire protected areas free of materials would be in operation and that failure to keep these areas clear would result in enforcement action under the RRO legislation. JD informed members that he took the position of certificate holder very seriously and that he would do everything in his power to ensure that the areas were cleared and kept sterile. The Chair added that he was happy to hear that the issue would be resolved and that going forward the arrangements at both grounds will comply with guidance and legislation, in addition to this he stated that the prior informal arrangements had been problematic for he and his assistant as they do not have the expertise to comment upon whether or not an item is made of combustible material or not; nor the resource to constantly check that the areas are kept “reasonably” clear as had been the arrangement previously. 7. Wedging of fire doors During a during performance inspection conducted on the 27th November it was observed that fire doors were being wedged open to allow catering staff to pass through corridors unobstructed while serving the hospitality areas and that the same situation was known to occur in the players tunnel. It was discussed how these were long time issues that also needed intervention now to avoid enforcement action under RRO legislation. It was explained by MW and PP how the solution to the problem (mechanical closers/retainers) was relatively straight forward and is already in operation in other parts of the ground. JD accepted that this needed to be addressed and informed members that SC had already begun to seek prices for the closers/retainers to be installed. 8. Steward training & accreditation. The Chair described to members what the training and experience requirements were for a steward to work unaccompanied and be compliant with the safety certificate at both of the stadiums and how the content of the safety certificate closely reflects the guidance laid out in the green guide. He explained how following unsatisfactory audits on steward competency levels, next year there will be stringent auditing of steward training & accreditation, it was noted that after intervention, progress had been observed with the stewarding contractor employed by the SMC, but how there is still serious concerns about the competence levels of the stewards provided by stewarding contractor employed by Hull Kingston Rovers. A general conversation about funding difficulties prompted SS to divulge that funding for unemployed persons was thought to still be available via The Princes Trust Charity. SW confirmed that the SMC were in the process of establishing a NVQ stewarding supervisor training course to raise competence levels at the KC Stadium, it is hoped that this will increase stewards awareness of issues and information that should be fed up to the control room. 9. Stadium updated plans The Chair insisted that updated plans that detailed all alterations should be provided by both sports grounds, during the planning stages of recent events and procedures the lack of accurate, up to date plans was identified as a problem. JD confirmed that the SMC were in the process of having a set drawn up. SB confirmed that he will inform MS of the requirement. 10. Walton Street car park condition, lighting and traffic lights It was discussed around the table how the lighting levels, surfacing condition, markings and general traffic management of the Walton St car park were in need of improvement. SW informed members how she felt it was hazardous for her car park staff to work within the current situation. The SMC have worked in consultation with the car park asset managers NPS Humber to implement short term improvements to reduce the immediate hazards that had arisen/worsened following this year’s fair such as deep pot holes etc, it was also explained that as an interim measure temporary lighting will be used on match days to ensure that spectators can access and egress the car park safely and that negotiations with the asset managers are ongoing to try and bring about some more permanent solutions to the hazards that exist. LJ explained how these hazards had been long standing issues that have been fed back to her over the years and that action was overdue. It was generally discussed how the coordination of the traffic lights at the Walton St/Anlaby Road junction were an obstacle to the free flow of leaving spectators. It has been identified that that it is common practice for the traffic lights to be managed to allow more green time for leaving spectators and how on occasion this had been facilitated at The KC Lightstream Stadium at the Poorhouse Lane traffic lights to alleviate traffic pressure. It was agreed that SW and The Chair are to follow up the existing enquiries with the LA to try and have a traffic light management plan implemented at the KC Stadium.
11. KC Stadium, segregation, displacement of pass holders SW explained that upon review it was felt that the current segregation arrangements for home and away fans were inadequate and that a safer plan needed to be devised to improve the situation. It was discussed how fans were almost within touching distance of each other in the previous segregation line which sometimes created hostile and potentially dangerous conditions for spectators, stewards and emergency services alike. The new segregation plan will provide an eight seat segregation line in the North stand, with the East stand remaining as it is. In the East stand the seat closest to the away spectators will be occupied by a steward, or police officer (if wished) to maintain order. SW explained how regrettably facilitating this change had resulted in the unavoidable displacement of 31 pass holders, it was iterated however that this displacement was not severe and that most spectator have only been moved a few seats along on or next to the same row. SW explained how each pass holder had been personally called where possible to apologise for the inconvenience and been updated about what their new allocation was, this was followed up by a letter which explained the situation, SW was pleased to receive, on the whole positive feedback regarding the changes. On match day the majority of reallocated spectators complied, with only a small minority requiring further communication/education. The Chair gave the review his full backing, divulging that he had never been entirely satisfied with the previous arrangements, adding that this was a far more manageable safe plan that met the guidance provided in the green guide more closely. RH explained that in his opinion the new arrangement was excessive and that the greater segregation gap increased the confidence of unruly fans to misbehave. SW responded by stating that she was sorry that RH held this view, but pointed out that an 8 seat segregation had been found to be the optimum number in guidance that had been released on the matter and that she had observed a marked improvement in the matches since the change. JD thanked SW for her efforts and explained that he felt happy that with her experience, credentials and professionalism that decisions were only made with the safety and enjoyment of spectators and compliance with the safety certificate, he made the admission the short notice of the communication was not helpful and that this would not be repeated in the future, he informed the group that the SMC were developing a website so that going forward information can to published at the earliest convenience and consultation with stakeholders on issues that arise is more accessible, on that note GN suggested that an SMC presence on social media would be positive based on the Police’s experiences. RH agreed that good, timely communications would have gone some way to negate the negative feedback that he received, he continued to add that he had had received further negative feedback regarding Hull City V’s Middlesbrough match regarding occurrences of away fans gaining access to home sections of the stadium. SW responded by conveying her shock that this had been raised as she had not received any information to suggest that this had happened in any significant numbers, she conceded that unfortunately no matter what control measures are implemented (such as ticket sale restrictions, post code checks and crowd monitoring) some away fans will slip through the net, adding that all that was reasonably practicable was being done to prevent the issue and that if identified any offenders are very likely to be removed, especially if the away allocation is sold out as there would be nowhere available to safely to reseat them. JD reassured RH that that while he was at the helm of the SMC and SW is Safety officer they intend to work to a transparent ethos and hoped that he could perceive this during his attendance at SAG meetings, he added his commendation to the collaborative and constructive relationships that are being fostered with the other stakeholders at the KC stadium and indeed the other members of the SAG, stating that a lot of positives were coming about as result of improved relationships, this was an outlook that was shared around the table. RH responded by agreeing that following his attendance at the meetings he had a better insight into the decision making processes, adding that fans are more likely to understand and support decisions that are made once the reasons behind them are known. The Chair and JD thanks RH for his contribution and confirmed that they took the view that fan engagement was a key component of a successful operation, adding that they were both happy to attend the fans working group meetings if invited. SS asserted how she was happy to see the productiveness of the group and shared that she was happy to with the new segregation arrangement as she had shared reservations about the effectiveness its predecessor. 12. Leeds United 23/04/2016 The Chair asked that tickets are not put on sale for this fixture until all parties had been consulted and any reduction in allocation, if necessary, agreed before ticket are released to Leeds Utd. SW explained that tickets will not go on sale for this fixture until the fundamental control measures to deal with the challenging behaviour that is expected are known. The strategies that are currently being explored include the attendance of Leeds Utd stewards and measures to maintain sterility of the aisles; she explained that as she is the Safety Officer for Leeds Utd as well, she will ensure that any misbehaving home or away fans receive bans where appropriate. GN suggested that the first Police planning meeting could be used and would timetable the meeting to ensure that it was before tickets are released to Leeds Utd 13. KC Lightstream Stadium, Hull Utd update SB and The Chair explained how Hull Utd were playing their home fixtures at The KC Lightstream Stadium on a trial basis with the main concern being the effect that football activities will have upon the playing surface. It is expected that there will be an average attendance of 100-150 spectators and that they willl occupy the West stand and associated well area only. The Chair described how two stewarding plans had been devised; one for less than 500 spectators and another for over 500 spectators. Should the trial be successful and the games become permanent fixtures the plans will be adopted as group B activities. 14. AOB Contingence Plan Exercises The Chair requested that a timetable of contingency plans be drawn up by both sports grounds. He explained that while real life contingency plans that have been executed are acceptable to be used in lieu of planned exercises, planned exercises must still be scheduled, implemented and recorded so that it is known what plans have and haven’t been tested. Traffic Regulation Order Poorhouse Lane The Chair requested that Hull Kingston Rovers make an application for a TRO to restrict parking on Poorhouse Lane and alleviate the congestion that restricts the access of emergency services and egress of car users after matches and events. SC explained how The KC stadium had experienced very similar problems on the park access road which have been totally resolved by restricting parking via a TRO, he divulged that the TRO had cost them £4.5k. SB confirmed that he is to take the matter up with MS. Counter Terrorism MG gave a broad overview of the UK’s current terror status which is still severe with no specific intelligence to suggest that an attack on a sports ground is imminent, he stressed that this is obviously a very fluid, dynamic situation and that due caution and planning must still be exercised but that nationally the Police were reviewing their contingency plans with no requirement for consultation at this time. He continued to add that should the status increase to critical than this would obviously change. SC explained how he had worked closely with The Police to improve access security at the stadium and that the over arching rationale was to push any threat as far away from the stadium curtilage as possible. SW explained how the following security measures had been implemented: A 45 minute lockdown of the bowl area Access by electronic proximity pass only 100 % searching of staff, spectators with bags Pat down policy on entry to the stadium The forwarding of details to The Police for those who refuse compliance with the above measures Egress of cars from KC Stadium bowl area LJ explained how parked cars exiting the bowl area at the same time as pedestrian spectators was causing a serious hazard. SW responded by confirming that car users must wait until pedestrian spectators have cleared the bowl area before they can leave, she confirmed that she will monitor the situation and that anybody who is caught flouting the rules will have their passes revoked. PA System LJ informed the SMC that in her opinion the PA’s intermittent performance was very hazardous; she stated that emergency messages and key announcements were not being delivered to the southern section of the stadium. JD responded by informing LJ that he appreciated that there were issues and that the PA equipment had just had £250,000 spent on it but unfortunately the issues that were being experience were faults in the speaker equipment that are in need of replacement. Advise SMC to devise management plan to reduce hazard?? Light Show RH explained to the SMC that in his opinion the health and safety communications regarding the pre event lightshow (particularly the potential of triggering epileptic episodes) was lacking, in response to this claim SW informed RH that there had been messages displayed on the scoreboard in advance of and just before the light show and that information had been published on the club website. RH accepted this but continued to add that he had received feedback that there was still some confusion regarding the matter and that the message should be reiterated, perhaps in a clearer more understandable manner to ensure that all spectators are informed and any concerns are quelled. SW confirmed that she would make sure that further clear and understandable communications are made for those who did not catch or understand the original/existing messages. RH thanked SW for this and rounded off the conversation by telling members that health and safety concerns aside, the feedback about the lightshow was positive and that he had personally enjoyed it. Family Lounge JD informed the group that the SMC were looking to redevelop the family lounge to be used as a bar for away fans, the bar would serve plastic bottles only and he continued to explain how he is open to any advice or suggestions. Commendation JM wished to take the opportunity to commend the efforts of the SMC in the progress that had been made to strengthen the communications with the club and other stakeholders. The Chair seconded the commendation explaining that he was happy to see that a more joined up approach to safety and the running of the stadium was being used.
8 empty rows of seats is the ideal for segregation? How many other grounds have that? Fans almost within touching distance of each other! Quelle horreure! Maybe the frightened people in N5 were police, stewards and safety officers. A bar for away fans. Yes the club really know how to make their fans feel,as though they are the most important people to them.
I don't really care about them taking 8 rows out for segregation, just so long as they take them out of the away allocation (not an issue this season obviously, but it may be next season), something I'm hoping will be reviewed next season. I don't think anyone was frightened, I got the impression that some of the young lads got rather carrier away against Birmingham and went beyond 'banter' to being rather too over the top. I suspect the complaints were with a view to someone having a word, rather than anyone actually being moved, but that was the outcome. I knew the away fans bar would be a hit...
Reading, a very similar ground to ours loses one row of seats with just an aisleway and railings between the home and away fans. Local derbies in Liverpool, Manchester and London have a couple of rows of seats as segregation. Why does one of the newer grounds require 8 rows? The frightened was just a facetious response to the club saying season ticket holders had been moved supposedly because some fans were frightened. I don't think we will ever see a great atmosphere at the KC let alone a seething cauldron. It would cause the SAG to go into a state of nervous breakdown. Looking at the consternation caused by the imminent arrival of 2,500 Leeds fans it is a good job the World Cup wasn't awarded to England and the KC picked as a ground. What would they have done faced with 20,000 Poles and Germans arriving in the city?
A lot of job creation amongst that little lot. HTF did the club manage to stage a football match years ago before all this lot jumped on the bandwagon and wrangled themselves careers on the back of a football match taking place ?
Lambo you have my complete admiration for attending these. It can't be fun mostly just listening. It looks worse than a Dutch v Fez boreathon. I presume you've learnt an appreciation for some stuff you can't discuss too so hopefully it's not as painful as it appears.
It's costing the club money whoevers allocation it comes from, and it's obviously the home allocation considering 31 season ticket holders shamefully got forced to move. 8 rows is utterly ridiculous. Whoever came up with that idea needs to be tied up in front of their family and shot.
