Could standing eventually return to Vale Park after government report backs its “positive effect”?
Seating areas at football grounds which incorporate barriers have a “positive impact on spectator safety”, a government report claims. The news will offer a boost to fans who are seeking a return to standing areas at football grounds.
An interim report from the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) found such seating areas “mitigate the risk of crowd collapse”. Sports Minister Nigel Adams said: “Over a million people watch live football at a ground every week, and having spoken to fans across the country, I know that safe standing is an issue many feel passionately about. As we made clear in our election manifesto, we will work with fans and clubs towards introducing safe standing at football grounds.”
All three major political parties backed the return of safe standing in their election manifestos which increases the possibility of standing being allowed at grounds again.
Standing at Vale Park
Port Vale fans stood for the last time on Lorne Street terraces at the end of the 1997-98 season. The area was then demolished before work began on a new £3 million Lorne Street stand.
Prior to the introduction of all-seater stadiums, the Railway Paddock, Lorne Street and Bycars stands were all popular standing areas for home fans.
A poll on this website in 2018 saw 79% of Port Vale fans who responded say that they were in favour of safe standing at the stadium.
Vale owners Carol and Kevin Shanahan have many financial matters to consider and it would be understandable if safe standing is low down their list. However, it is clear that if there ever was a return to safe standing, in for example in the Bycars stand, then it would be a hugely popular move.