Stand Up Sit Down Campaign

One of the differences Hereford United supporters attending away matches will have noticed this season is that at many clubs it is all seating.

Having been used to a mix of standing or sitting, the first away game of the season at Stockport was all seated. And many supporters weren't very happy with the change.

There were few if any all seater stadiums in the Conference. In fact it's only a couple of seasons ago when supporters could still change ends at one or two stadiums. Farnborough was one.

At Edgar Street supporters can still stand up to watch games in several areas of the ground. For home fans there is the Meadow End and part of the Len Weston/Floors2Go stand available.

Away fans also have a choice. Standing is available in the bottom part of the Len Weston stand and there are seats in the higher level.

A campaign group called Stand Up Sit Down is lobbying to acheive a workable solution to help those supporters who wish to continue to stand at games.

Their objectives are:

To work with football supporters, clubs and safety authorities, to achieve a common sense solution to the issue of standing, for the benefit of all concerned.

To campaign for decisions related to standing to be made in partnership with supporters, and to be based on objective safety assessments, but whilst maintaining a balance between safety and individual freedom.

To agree areas where standing can be permitted without significant safety risks, and wherever possible to provide supporters with a choice as to whether they may stand or sit.

To seek agreement that passive standing in front of allocated seats will be accepted in designated areas, for at least for trial period, subject to supporters adhering to a code of conduct.

To ensure that those supporters who do not wish to stand, will be able to sit in designated areas, in the knowledge that their view will not be blocked by other spectators persistently standing.

Before the plans for the improvements to Edgar Street are finalised, it will be interesting to see whether standing areas are included.

Anyone wishing to know more about this campaign can go to: www.standupsitdown.co.uk

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