Coventry City Safety Officer Pete Smith told the Safety Advisory Group today that they have recruited forty six more stewards and are currently interviewing others. It is hoped that this will lead to less police in the stadium for home matches,one of the club's major expenses.
The police who only have the power of arrest not ejection inside the ground said they were reasonably happy with the way things had gone so far this season.
More Stewards Recruited
Covsupport understands that there was a lengthy conversation about the stewards and it was expressed by Mr Smith that if "the forty or so persistent standers" remained seated then the stewards who are acting under orders would not have to get involved.
Other items discussed at the meeting attended by club officials,a rep from the Sky Blue Trust, police,City Council and Arena Coventry Limited saw the club was knocked back on wanting to bring in steel shutters to segregate the CET and East Stands and the current barrier system inside the concourse will remain and it was agreeed that the Arena bowl should remain barrier free.
A list of the ground regulations which must be displayed around the stadium will appear as will proper signs saying what number voucher season ticket holders have to use.
Arena Coventry Limited now have a maintainence staff on site to deal with any problems including the lifts.
Work to create a foot path under the rail arches to link the Arena and Tesco's will start in January with the build time likely to be twenty weeks
The Park n Walk sites are only operating at 65% capacity and will easily cope with any large crowds.