Agenda Item No: 7
Wolverhampton City Council OPEN DECISION ITEM
Committee / Panel LICENSING COMMITTEE Date 19/11/08
Originating Service Group(s) REGENERATION AND ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Contact Officer(s)/ DAN O’BRIEN Telephone Number(s) 4381
Title/Subject Matter WOLVERHAMPTON SPORTS STADIA SAFETY ADVISORY GROUP MINUTES
Recommendation
Members are recommended to note and endorse the minutes of the Molineux Stadium Safety Advisory (MSSAG) Group meetings of 17.06.08, 30.09.08 and the Wolverhampton Sports Stadium Safety Advisory Group (WSSSAG) meeting of 01.10.08.
C:\Documents and Settings\Pand022\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKFC\WSSSAG MINUTES REPORT TO LICENSING COMMITTEE 19 11 08 (2).doc
WOLVERHAMPTON SPORTS STADIA SAFETY ADVISORY GROUP MINUTES
1.0 Purpose of Report
1.1 To provide Members with the minutes of the Molineux Stadium Safety Advisory Group and the Wolverhampton Sports Stadia Safety Advisory Group for noting and endorsement.
2.0 Background
2.1 The safety of the larger sports grounds within the City is the responsibility of the Licensing Committee. Accordingly, on 5 May 2004 Members approved proposals relating to the future arrangements for the discharge of the Council’s function in respect of the regulation of the four sports grounds within the City i.e.
• Molineux Stadium, Waterloo Road • Dunstall Racecourse, Dunstall Park • Aldersley Leisure Village, Aldersley Road • Monmore Green Stadium, Sutherland Avenue
2.2 Members also agreed that in addition to the existing Molineux Stadium Safety Advisory Group, a second SAG would be created to administer the certification issues relating to Dunstall Racecourse, Monmore Green Stadium and Aldersley Leisure Village. This is known as the Wolverhampton Sports Stadia Safety Advisory Group (WSSSAG).
2.3 The responsibilities of the Safety Advisory Groups are:
• Assisting the Council, through Environmental Services, to issue and enforce the conditions of the safety certificate. • Coordinating and consulting with the Police, Fire Service and the building authority and Ambulance Service in respect of the identified stadia. • Assisting the Council with the placing of conditions on the safety certificate to ensure the safety of those using the stadium. • Identifying maximum stadia capacities and the areas of the stadia to which visitors have access. • Providing specialist advice to the Licensing Committee on sports ground safety matters.
2.4 Members agreed to receive minutes of all Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meetings and requested that the Officer who had attended the SAG meeting, is available to present the minutes to Licensing Committee.
2.5 The minutes of the following Molineux Stadium Safety Advisory Group (MSSAG) meetings held on the dates below are attached as Appendices A, and B
• 17 June 2008 • 30 September 2008
C:\Documents and Settings\Pand022\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKFC\WSSSAG MINUTES REPORT TO LICENSING COMMITTEE 19 11 08 (2).doc 2.6 The minutes of the Wolverhampton Sports Stadia Safety Advisory Group (WSSSAG) held on the date below is attached as Appendix C.
• 1 October 2008
3.0 Resource Implications
3.1 There are no resource implications in this report.
4.0 Equalities Implications
4.1 There are no equalities implications in this report.
5.0 Environmental Implications
5.1 This report has no direct environmental implications.
C:\Documents and Settings\Pand022\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKFC\WSSSAG MINUTES REPORT TO LICENSING COMMITTEE 19 11 08 (2).doc APPENDIX A
Molineux Stadium Safety Advisory Group Minutes of Meeting of 17th June 2008
Present
Wolverhampton City Council Phil Adams Environmental Services (Chair) Dan O'Brien Environmental Services Steve Burson Building Control
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC Richard Skirrow Steve Sutton
West Midlands Police Chief Superintendent Richard Green
West Midlands Ambulance Service Mark Chapman
1. Apologies
Wesley Williams, West Midlands Fire Service
2. Minutes of previous Meetings 29.04.08
Item 2, first bullet - RG requested that match by match be changed to case by case.
With regard to the letter to Magistrates regarding a strategic approach - RG will raise this at Crown Justice Forum. Action: RG
The subway will be part of the Risk Assessment.
3. Underpass
3.1 DOB reported that he had approached Highways regarding congestion and they are of the view that it is not their responsibility as the police are responsible for the tactics that create the conditions. RG asked for a SAG meeting where there is a potential congestion risk at certain fixtures.
3.2 The Safety First SAG is chaired by Bob Barratt. RG said he is unsure if this is the correct forum to deal with the congestion issue. RS suggested Highways be co-opted to this meeting. RG agreed. DOB said he is not sure that it is that much of a safety issue. RG replied that he thinks it should be Risk Assessed as it was formally raised.
3.3 PA said that Highways need to be invited to the next meeting. RG suggested that a risk assessment is carried out to determine if there is any problem and then present the Risk Assessments to Highways for comments. Action: Risk assessment to be conducted for the underpass and a copy provided to highways for any comments.
C:\Documents and Settings\Pand022\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKFC\WSSSAG MINUTES REPORT TO LICENSING COMMITTEE 19 11 08 (2).doc 4. Fixtures
4.1 A copy of the fixtures list was handed out. RS said that he thinks that Birmingham and Cardiff City need debating at this group. RG thinks that it will need to be moved to Sunday. RG also queried Bristol City as there were problems at the last match. RS said he would like to resist moving this. RG said he will look at this. RG also suggested a preliminary fixtures meeting to take place next week. Shirley will arrange.
4.2 RG also commented that he doesn’t see the Cardiff match in February taking place on a Saturday and will need to look at the ticketing arrangements. RG confirmed that Birmingham City will move to 12 noon on Sunday.
4.3 To discuss Cardiff and the other fixtures at the preliminary fixtures meeting next week.
4.4 RG mentioned club security only matches. This year the police are committed to regular meetings. The whole SAG needs to be aware of the level of risks involved.
Low Risk – Category A Medium risk – Category B High risk – Category C
4.5 When a club security match is less than low category RG would like the whole SAG to appreciate that in the event of a need to enter the ground in a PSU strength this would take at least 30 to 40 minutes to organise.
4.6 SS would like to clarify if there was some offer of assistance in helping with steward teams to assist in disorder. RG is meeting this week and will clarify. RG added that he is happy to offer any support regarding stewarding.
5. Persistent standing Risk Assessments
5.1 This follows on from the FLA policy guidance and are very keen that this season there are Risk Assessments completed for every fixture. DOB to meet with SS shortly. Action: DOB/SS to meet to discuss risk assessments.
6. Report of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club
6.1 Plymouth – Category A – no anticipated issues. A sell out crowd. 26,293 attended, 927 visitors. No issues with visitors.
7. Report of West Midlands Police
7.1 RG reported that there were 2 arrests post-match. The police have had a professional look at the policing of the event and found nothing specific.
8. Report of West Midlands Ambulance Service
8.1 The statistics were handed out. The figures are overall down on last season. MC would like to record his thanks to Maureen at St John’s Ambulance for her enthusiasm and input for providing the statistics.
9. Report of Fire Safety Centre
Not in attendance. C:\Documents and Settings\Pand022\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKFC\WSSSAG MINUTES REPORT TO LICENSING COMMITTEE 19 11 08 (2).doc
10. Report of Regeneration & Environment (Environmental Services)
10.0 DOB to meet with SS regarding the General Safety Certificate. DOB reported all minutes of SAG meetings since January 2008 to WCC Members. DOB reported that one Member had raised the matter of the closure of the city centre licensed premises when the corporate hospitality at the club remains open. SS reported that he had seen the matter reported in the Express and Star.
RS asked about Molineux Alley. DOB to get back to the group on this. Action: DOB to report back to the group on Molineux Alley.
11. Report of Regeneration & Environment (Building Consultancy)
11.1 SB reported that the annual inspection was completed and found one issue which was movement in the wall at the John Ireland stand. SB complimented SS and the team for a good job.
12. Report of Football Licensing Authority
12.1 SS needs to meet with Mark to create a medical plan.
13. Any Other Business
13.1 RG pointed out the drink related statistics on arrests and ejections which may be an issue – the number of people entering the ground.
14. Date of Next Meeting
2pm Tuesday 23rd September at the Molineux
C:\Documents and Settings\Pand022\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKFC\WSSSAG MINUTES REPORT TO LICENSING COMMITTEE 19 11 08 (2).doc APPENDIX B
Molineux Stadium Safety Advisory Group Minutes of Meeting of 30th September 2008
Present
Wolverhampton City Council Phil Adams Environmental Services (Chair) Dan O'Brien Environmental Services Steve Burson Building Control
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC Jez Moxey Richard Skirrow
West Midlands Police Chief Superintendent Richard Green Superintendent D Jobbins PC A Hodgetts
1. Apologies
Wesley Williams, West Midlands Fire Service Steve Sutton, Wolverhampton Wanderers Martin Girvan, Football Licensing Authority Mick Billington, West Midlands Ambulance Service
2. Minutes of previous Meetings - 17.06.08
2.1 The previous minutes were agreed.
2.2 Matters Arising
2.2.1 RG reported that he had spoken to the Clerk to the Court regarding the inconsistency in sentencing and provided evidence of the different treatment given. The Courts are aware.
2.2.2 Underpass – DOB said that PC Sally Churchill was progressing the Risk Assessment and asked if any progress had been made? RG indicated that this was not his understanding but felt that highways needed to satisfy themselves it was ok.
2.2.3 Birmingham – The club and Police debated over this. Sky wanted November 29th at 12.30pm.
2.2.4 Cardiff – February 2009. To be an agenda item for the next meeting.
3. Report of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club
3.1 Blackburn Rovers (02.08.08) Category: Police Free Arrests: 0 Ejections: 0 No issues, went well, no arrests or ejections. Attendance 10,238
C:\Documents and Settings\Pand022\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKFC\WSSSAG MINUTES REPORT TO LICENSING COMMITTEE 19 11 08 (2).doc 3.2 Accrington Stanley(12.08.08) Category: Police Free Arrests: 0 Ejections: 1 home and 1 away No issues, no arrests. Attendance: 9424
3.3 Sheffield Wednesday (16/08/08) Category: B Arrests: 4 away Ejections: 2 home All visitors stood but well behaved on the whole. 2 arrests for pre-match fight, 1 for criminal damage and 1 unknown. Attendance: 22,491
3.4 Nottingham Forrest (30/08/08) Category: B Arrests: 3 home, 1 away Ejections: 3 home, 2 away Very few issues. On the whole away fans ok. The 3 home arrests were not related to the game. 2 away ejections made by police without prior knowledge, the arrest for drunk entry. A number of visitors left early because of the score. There was a disorder outside the visitor stiles with home fans not attending the game. Attendance: 25,301
3.5 Crystal Palace (16/09/08) Category: Police Free Arrests:0 Ejections: 2 home The visitors were very good. All left together without incident Attendance: 22,200
3.6 Bristol City (27/09/08) Category: C Arrests: 1 away Ejections: 2 away Seating was removed to avoid confrontation. No alcohol was served to the visitors and the city pubs were closed until ko. Overall the majority of visitors were well behaved. One away ejection for attempting to breach the stand wall. Away arrest for racist behaviour. 95% of visitors sat and were well behaved. Attendance: 24,324
3.7 RS requested that two incidents were recorded as emergency exercises. On 12th August, the Accrington Stanley match there was a ‘Code Black’ (suspect package/device found) alert. A device was found with wires protruding from it in a bin in the upper concourse at zone 14. Staff were instructed to close the turnstiles until the ‘code black’ was resolved. The deputy safety officer and the fire supervisor had established that the suspect package was discarded electrical items and posed no threat. Staff were then instructed to open the turnstiles.
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3.7.1 RG asked what would have happened if the club had considered the device to be a threat. RS replied that contingency plans would be followed. RG emphasised that he would hope that the police would be called and asked how the contingency plan would work through and how would evacuation issues be considered. RG followed on to say that he commended what was done but thinks that we should add to that i.e. how long would it take, how long would it take the military to arrive and evacuation points. RG added that this incident inspires timetable work. Action: Sgt Jobbins to work with SS next season.
3.8 The second incident was on 16th September at the Crystal Palace game. A man had fallen down a flight of stairs 4 minutes before the end of the game and was barely conscious. The WM Ambulance controller was informed immediately. He then dispatched first aid personnel to the scene. The club’s trained defibrillator operators were also despatched to the scene.
3.8.1 The stewards on the scene cordoned off one side of the staircase and created a safe area around the patient. The staircase was closed to departing fans. The fans were then exited via the terrace, through the perimeter gates, along the track and through exit gate A in between the Stan Cullis and Billy Wright stands.
3.8.2 The patient was transported to hospital 17 minutes after the incident due to a head injury. RS added that this incident was dealt with very well.
3.9 Redevelopment
3.9.1 JM reported that the redevelopment of the stadium is progressing but is still in the very early stages. The club are liaising with WCC. The club will try to submit the planning application by May 2009. Hope to be able start construction the end of 2009/beginning 2010. JM continued to say that the development will be phased. The development consists of the replacement of North stand, 2 tier facilities move to East stand and finish off the south stand. An additional tier will be placed on top of the South stand. At the end of phase 1 there will be 2 tier stands at either end requiring East stand joined up with the North and South.
4. Report of West Midlands Police
4.1 Accrington Stanley (12/08/08) One Accrington supporter was ejected for being drunk in the stadium and 1 wolves supporter ejected for foul and abusive language. Post match a group of 8-10 Wolves risk supporters gathered on the concourse close to the away fans exit.
4.2 Sheffield Wednesday (16/08/08) Pre match 1 visiting supporter was arrested trying to enter the ground whilst drunk, 2 Sheffield Wednesday supporters were involved in an assault outside the stadium, these two were later identified outside the stadium and arrested. 1 visiting supporter was arrested for Criminal Damage during the game and 2 home supporters were ejected for breach of ground regulations. Post match a group of Wolves risk supporters were located at the railway station awaiting the arrival of visiting supporters, these were dispersed by officers.
C:\Documents and Settings\Pand022\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKFC\WSSSAG MINUTES REPORT TO LICENSING COMMITTEE 19 11 08 (2).doc 4.3 Nottingham Forest (30/08/08) Pre match a group of away youth risk supporters were spotted at the Railway station and escorted to the ground 1 of this group was arrested for a drink related offence at the turnstiles. A group of 12-15 Wolves youth risk attempted to get into a City Centre Pub where some away supporters were located. Two of this group were arrested for public order offences (1 at the time and 1 inside the stadium). Disorder then occurred on the concourse between the subway and the Feathers PH, again 2 were arrested for public order offences. There was 1 arrest for breach of banning order. There were 5 ejections during the game. A group of Forest supporters left the stadium approximately 20 minutes before full time these were met outside the stadium by a group of Wolves risk supporters where disorder occurred. Enquiries are continuing. The Forest supporters were escorted to the Railway station and placed onto a train, this group continued being disorderly on the train resulting in arrests by the British Transport Police.
4.4 Crystal Palace (16/09/08) A quiet fixture with no incidents pre or post match. During the game there were 2 home ejections for breach of ground regulations. 1 away supporter was seen to be drinking a can of lager whilst sitting in his seat watching the match, stewards took the can off him. Searching needs to be looked at.
4.5 Bristol City (27/09/08) Control measures put in place for this fixture had a major effect on the outcome of this event. Pre match saw 1 wolves supporter arrested for being drunk entering the stadium and 1 wolves supporter arrested for breaching his banning order. During the game there was one Bristol supporter arrested for racist chanting.
PC Hodgetts pointed out that Bronze Commander noted the following:
1. No increased stewards in bars 2. Poor searching by stewards at TB4 rectified by SS 3. Goading by BC fans asked for stewards to get seated not strongest steward in area remained standing 4. Wolfie borrowed supporters crutch and threatened Bristol supporters 5. 1 serial told to remove level 1 protection. No issues post match
4.6 RG commented that the match categorisation is up to date and all are agreed in meetings between the club and the police and that they are a good discussion forum.
4.7 The Bristol City and Nottingham Forest games were relatively vocal, both occasions the assessment of risk was appropriate.
4.8 The Bristol City match was a 12.30 kick off reflecting issues of tensions of the positions in the league. RG pointed out that there was excellent co-operation of the partners in the city to avoid violence. Action: RG to write to the licensees thanking them for their co-operation.
4.9 RG said that we have lessons to learn around how people who leave the ground early are managed. We need to make adjustments how manage stewards/police outside the ground and public areas and deal with effectively.
4.10 With regard to a supporter drinking whilst in their seat, RG commented that searching could be better and if the game was policed it may have resulted in an arrest.
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4.11 The comment regarding Wolfie was from an experienced Bronze Commander.
4.12 Plea from the police to the stewards to search better.
4.13 Jez Moxey asked how many times have we had a problem which could have been detected from more thorough searching. RS replied not very often.
4.14 PC Hodgetts said he thought that all visiting fans were searched.
4.15 RG said that it illustrated the level of searching and is concerned that weapons could be taken in. RG followed on to say that searching is to act as a deterrent which is important. RG added that the drinking incident in the seat is a gentle reminder of the value of thorough searching.
4.16 JM asked why we cannot refuse entry to risk fans.
4.17 RG replied that we cannot refuse access because they are risk fans. There is the control to refuse entry for drunkenness.
4.18 RS said he would look into the incident and try and improve on searching. Action: RS/SS to look into searching
5. Report of West Midlands Ambulance Service
5.1 Not in attendance
6. Report of Fire Safety Centre
6.1 Not in attendance.
7. Report of Regeneration & Environment (Environmental Services)
7.1 DOB reported that he met with SS to progress the re-writing of the safety certificate and to discuss the smoking in toilets in the South stand. SS developed a plan and feedback from SS was that it was quite successful.
7.2 Molineux Alley – the timing of the resurfacing of the alley has over run. There is 12 weeks work needed and it is not known when it is likely to start. It is estimated to finish January/February 2009. RS asked DOB to liaise over the alley when it is near to opening.
7.3 RG asked to view the safety certificate before it is signed off. Action: DOB
7.4 The proposed visit by Members was cancelled due to licence issues and the Gambling Act.
7.5 RG pointed out the parking issues in Camp Street and would like to see double yellow lines. Action: DOB to take to Highways. JM reported that a Traffic Management Plan was required for all matches and pointed out that a traffic impact assessment will be required with the new development.
C:\Documents and Settings\Pand022\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKFC\WSSSAG MINUTES REPORT TO LICENSING COMMITTEE 19 11 08 (2).doc 8. Report of Regeneration & Environment (Building Consultancy/Transportation)
8.1 The Annual Report from ASC does not highlight any major problems but it does recommend work be carried out in some areas. Action: SB to contact SS to discuss intentions regarding recommendations in the report.
9. Report of Football Licensing Authority
9.1 Not in attendance.
10. Any Other Business
10.1 None
11. Date of Next Meeting
10.30am Tuesday 11th November at the Molineux .
C:\Documents and Settings\Pand022\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKFC\WSSSAG MINUTES REPORT TO LICENSING COMMITTEE 19 11 08 (2).doc APPENDIX C
WOLVERHAMPTON SPORTS STADIA SAFETY ADVISORY GROUP
Minutes of Meeting held on the 1st October 2008
Present
Phil Adams: Wolverhampton City Council (Chair) Dan O’Brien: Wolverhampton City Council Tim Davies: Estates Manager, Wolverhampton Racecourse Neil Aston-Baugh: West Midlands Fire Service
1. Apologies
Wesley Williams: West Midlands Fire Service Richard Brankley: Monmore Green Stadium Mark Chapman: West Midlands Ambulance Service
2. Minutes of Meeting of 22.04.08/Matters Arising
• DO’B stated that the Green Guide was now available and is published by the Stationery Office. If anyone wanted a copy he stated that it was easier to order it from the SO website.
• DO’B stated that the Midland Football Authorities group had met and were concentrating on issues around standing. It is intended to rotate venues of meetings.
3. Feedback in Respect of Issues/Events
• Dunstall Park Racecourse – TD mentioned that they were still having problems regarding security but had now installed automated main gates. There was a small incident outside the gates last night whereby someone tried to hijack a car.
No further issues forthcoming – they were now approaching their busy race period.
TD mentioned that he had received an enquiry in connection with the holding of a car boot sale on site and enquired as to whether they would need a licence. PDA/DO’B advised him to contact Sue Handy, Markets Manager and Elaine Moreton in Licensing who would be able to advise him on this issue. DO’B also commented that car boot sales were notorious for selling counterfeit items and advised TD to contact Trading Standards also.
TD also queried whether there were any regulations regarding people being allowed to camp in the middle of the stadium should they hold any events and people wished to do this. At the recent Waterways Festival, British Waterways had done this and it had worked very well. NA-B advised him to contact the Events Safety Advisory Group for advice.
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• Monmore Green Stadium - RB although not present at the meeting wished to express his thanks to Wesley Williams for the information provided in the follow up to the recent fire inspection.
In an e-mail he said there had been a problem with illegal burning at adjoining skip yards which was being addressed by the Environment Agency.
There had been one incident when two anti-racing demonstrators were arrested following an injury to one of the stadium safety stewards on 23/08. No further protests in recent weeks.
Speedway season ends week commencing Monday 27/10 with a speedway meeting on that Monday with a motorcycle stunt show and firework finale on Thursday 29/10.
4. Report of West Midlands Fire Service
NA-B reported that fire inspections had recently been carried out at each stadia. There were no major issues of concern. Letters have been sent out to each.
5. Report of Director for Sustainable Communities (Regeneration & Environment)
Nothing to report.
6. Report of the Football Licensing Authority
DO’B mentioned that the FLA are to be the general enforcing authority over all sports grounds. Bill is supposed to be passed through Parliament but has been delayed. Their role will be an advisory role.
7. Date of Next Meeting
To be advised.
8. Any Other Business
None.
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