Post by eddie on Sept 11, 2013 9:14:45 GMT
For all the years I have been going to Stompond Lane to watch the Swans I have always given my support, as loudly as possible, from the "far side," or "tin shed." I think it generates its own atmosphere and I much prefer to watch the games from there. I have been unable to gain any definitive answer to questions about the whys and wherefores of what has happened and if anything is being done so I emailed Surrey Fire Services to ask them about their involvement in the closure of the stand. Here is their reply:
"Dear Mr Duncan,
In response to your query regarding the covered terrace at Stompond Lane, I can confirm that Surrey Fire and Rescue Service as the enforcing authority on behalf of Surrey County Council for the Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987, visited Stompond Lane in response to previous queries relating to the status of the covered terrace. On inspection it was determined through applying the appropriate criteria that this terrace should be a regulated stand and therefore require a safety certificate.
Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) as the owner were contacted and given time to consider their options, during which time they closed the stand pending their decision. Some two weeks later I was informed that the EBC senior management team had decided to permanently board-up the covered terrace from future use.
I duly issued EBC with a determination notice stating that any reversal of this decision would require an application for a general safety certificate covering its use as a regulated stand.
At no point have Surrey Fire and Rescue Service prohibited or restricted the use of this terrace, EBC as the owner have made this decision themselves and would suggest only they can provide the real reasons for not progressing along the certification route and continued use of the terrace as a regulated stand.
Should you have any further queries please do not hesitate in contacting me.
Regards
Steve Viney,
Fire Safety/ Sports Ground Coordinator,
Walton Area Office,
East Area.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.
Tel: 01737-242444
Mob: 07968 - 834532
Alternative: 07784 891529
E-mail: steve.viney@surreycc.gov.uk
GCSX email: steve.viney@surreycc.gcsx.gov.uk [for content up to RESTRICTED]
Web: www.surrey-fire.gov.uk
To provide a professional and well supported Fire and Rescue Service which reduces community risk in order to save lives, relieve suffering, protect property and the environment
"Dear Mr Duncan,
In response to your query regarding the covered terrace at Stompond Lane, I can confirm that Surrey Fire and Rescue Service as the enforcing authority on behalf of Surrey County Council for the Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987, visited Stompond Lane in response to previous queries relating to the status of the covered terrace. On inspection it was determined through applying the appropriate criteria that this terrace should be a regulated stand and therefore require a safety certificate.
Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) as the owner were contacted and given time to consider their options, during which time they closed the stand pending their decision. Some two weeks later I was informed that the EBC senior management team had decided to permanently board-up the covered terrace from future use.
I duly issued EBC with a determination notice stating that any reversal of this decision would require an application for a general safety certificate covering its use as a regulated stand.
At no point have Surrey Fire and Rescue Service prohibited or restricted the use of this terrace, EBC as the owner have made this decision themselves and would suggest only they can provide the real reasons for not progressing along the certification route and continued use of the terrace as a regulated stand.
Should you have any further queries please do not hesitate in contacting me.
Regards
Steve Viney,
Fire Safety/ Sports Ground Coordinator,
Walton Area Office,
East Area.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.
Tel: 01737-242444
Mob: 07968 - 834532
Alternative: 07784 891529
E-mail: steve.viney@surreycc.gov.uk
GCSX email: steve.viney@surreycc.gcsx.gov.uk [for content up to RESTRICTED]
Web: www.surrey-fire.gov.uk
To provide a professional and well supported Fire and Rescue Service which reduces community risk in order to save lives, relieve suffering, protect property and the environment