Agenda item

The Committee considered an annual review of activities carried out by Worcestershire County Council (WCC) Directorate of Public Health Emergency Planning team to discharge statutory duties under the Safety at Sports Grounds (SatSGs) and related legislation during 2016/2017.

The report set out details of the safety certificates, the Safety Advisory Groups, details of the safety certificates and Safety Advisory Groups findings for Sixways Stadium Worcester Warriors RFC, Aggborough Stadium – Kidderminster Harriers FC, The Grandstand – Worcester Racecourse, and Victoria Ground – Bromsgrove Sporting FC and Worcester City FC, other event safety management advice, and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (FSO).

In the ensuing debate, the following principal points were raised:

·         In response to a query about the change in status of the Aggborough Stadium, Nick Riding, the Emergency Planning Manager commented that due to changes in legislation the Aggborough stadium was no longer defined as a designated stadium because of the non-league status of Kidderminster Harriers FC. Should Kidderminster Harriers enter the Football League then that status would change

·         In assessing the requirements for a safety certificate, what factors were taken into account for music events? Nick Riding responded that the dynamics of the spectators attending concerts differed as spectators were more likely to be stood up for the duration of the event. Steward numbers, first aid, facilities access to water, toilets and catering generally needed to be increased. Also greater attention needed to be given to access and egress arrangements. The SAG would be responsible for monitoring the Event Management Plan

·         Concern was expressed about the gap in communication between the stadium owners and event organisers in terms of crowd numbers. Nick Riding commented the management of all-ticket matches made it easier to predict steward numbers. However where customers paid on the day, it was important that the match was properly advertised and extra stewards and facilities were made available. The incident at the Victoria Ground, Bromsgrove resulted from the inability to count the attendance through the turnstiles

·         Concern was expressed about the Council's ability to control facilities outside its legislative responsibilities and the potential reputational risk. Nick Riding gave an assurance that the Council had procedures for such facilities because it was important that the Council to provided a safety advisory service in its community leadership role. The responsibility for other events, notably music concerts rested with the event management company who were required to put together an Events Management Plan. The role of the SAG was to monitor proceedings to ensure every safety aspect had been considered

·         Would the anticipate attendance levels determine how an event was assessed in safety terms and where did responsibility for the safety of private events rest? Nick Riding commented that as a general rule private events fell outside the legislation. Attendance was not a defining factor necessarily as it depended on the nature of the event and the level of risk associated with it, for example, the grant of an alcohol license would increase the level of risk and associated monitoring levels 

·         It was noted that the lack of stewarding at a match the Victoria Ground had been uncovered by the Fire Service. Would this incident have been picked up through the regular safety procedures? Nick Riding commented that he was confident that this would have been identified through the safety management procedures on the site. Officers had good monitoring arrangements and dialogue with the operators of the stadium

·         It was agreed that arrangements be made for members of the Committee to visit all the designated stadia and regulated stands over the life of the Council.     

RESOLVED that:

a)    The 2016/17 Annual Review of activities carried out by the Council to manage and implement the Safety at Sports Grounds legislation be noted; and

b)    The Council had successfully met its statutory duty in respect of Safety at Sports Grounds legislation during 2016/17 be noted.