MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SAFETY ADVISORY GROUP HELD ON TUESDAY 18 th SEPTEMBER 2013 AT CARDIFF CITY STADIUM, CARDIFF

Present:

Shaun Reville, (SR) Building Control, Cardiff Council Liz Weale, (EW) Legal Services Cardiff Council Eddie Ough, (EO) South Wales Police Richard Jennings, South Wales Police Graham Bond, (GB) Building Control, Cardiff Council Alun Harris, (AH) Wales Ambulance NHS Trust Gavin Macho, (GM) Emergency Planning, Cardiff Council Haydn Griffiths, (HG) Development, Projects & Partnership, Cardiff Council Ian Peploe, (IP) Acting General Manager for Millennium Stadium (present only for Millennium Stadium discussions)

1. Apologies

Apologies had been received from Phil Williams, Lead Officer SAG, Cardiff Council Andy Smith (AS) South Wales Police John Perkins, (JP) Sports Ground Safety Authority Alison Kibblewhite, (AK) South Wales Fire & Rescue Service Jeff Townsend, (JT) Development, Projects & Partnership, Cardiff Council

2. Introduction and Welcome

In Phil Williams’ absence Graham Bond welcomed attendees to the meeting confirming that the order of the agenda would be slightly re- arranged to accommodate our hosts from Millennium Stadium. Eddie Ough was welcomed to the meeting and provided a short resume of his background.

3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on 17 th January 2013

The Minutes of the 4 th June 2013 were discussed were discussed in terms of accuracy and content, there were no modifications.

4. Matters Arising

(i) None

5. Ground Reports

C:\Documents and Settings\gbond\Desktop\FoI Request October 2014\Redacted SAG Minutes 18th September 2013.docm - 1 - Graham Bond had previously circulated the Ground Reports, the basis of the report for each venue was discussed and accepted by the Group; in addition the following points were highlighted during the discussions.

(i) Millennium Stadium In addition to the report our host IP, acting General Manager of Millennium Stadium was able to confirm that following Mark Williams’ start on 2 nd October a 100 day introduction period has been assigned during which time Mark will be introduced to each different aspect of the stadium management role and the relevant personnel involved which will include the Safety Advisory Group; in the meantime IP will continue to act as lead for stadium safety and security whilst Alex Luff continues with commercial aspects. Looking forward to the preparations for the Rugby League World Cup on 26 th October, it is Ian’s intention to introduce Mark William’s to the event format and those involved in delivering the event, this will be a useful introduction to the nature of the work involved. In respect of the event itself there are no major plans for pre event activities, the event preparations are at final discussion stages at present. Ticketmaster access control system certification programme continues in a positive manner. It is envisaged that following the Rugby League World Cup and the autumn series of events that the system can be fully certified. The current newly laid pitch will be the last as a palletised system. The WRU Board will determine their future intentions for pitch solutions for when this pitch is removed next spring / summer, at present there are two options under review first a plastic pitch similar to that of Cardiff Arms Park or second a Desso type solution. Hostile Vehicle Mitigation programme has not been satisfactorily resolved; the Group awaits confirmation from Highways and Transport team that the design is acceptable. GB to write and remind of this requirement (done)

(ii) Cardiff City Stadium The Group acknowledged the ground report relating to Cardiff City Stadium and went on to discuss in greater detail the following points: • Stadium east stand development, agreed that current emergency plans and rendezvous points will be affected by the development and that further discussion will be required with the stadium manager and designers to ensure the emergency plan can work unhindered. GB confirmed that early stage discussions are ongoing with respect to the design and operational procedures and that these matters will be shared with the Group; copies of the Arup design were presented to the Group for information. • RJ confirmed that the two Premier League events had gone well although evidence of incendiaries / smoke bombs was notable particularly at the Manchester City game where intelligence reports led to intensive searching prior to entry however this alone did not prevent at least five devices being set off; an arrest was made. • EO referred to the success of intelligence led policing and his intention to maintain that approach. In respect of Cardiff City it will

C:\Documents and Settings\gbond\Desktop\FoI Request October 2014\Redacted SAG Minutes 18th September 2013.docm - 2 - take some time to fine tune the policing to the actual risks presented by Premier League football. • The situation with respect to persistent standing was debated at some length and featured reference to an article that appeared in the ‘The Independent’ on 13 th September. Following the Group’s letter to the club dated 1 st August GB confirmed that no response had been received from the club with respect to the points raised. EW reiterated that SAG requires a response from Cardiff City and that we should write again seeking that; the letter should include reference to the article correcting the statements made, reference to the other organisations involved in the debate, the likely need to share comments with those organisations and reiterating that the responsibility for spectator safety lies with the club, that SAG does not condone persistent standing. Members of the Group shared opinion with respect to the general perception of risk associated with persistent standing and how Cardiff City is choosing to address this by comparison with other clubs. It was agreed that our present approach has been proportionate and reasonable. It was however stated by EO that the Group should not be driven by media comment; we should follow a balanced approach in our assessment and actions. It was agreed that should Cardiff City provide a response it was likely to re-affirm their position thus placing the Council in a more tenuous position. Seeking to safeguard the Group it may be necessary to share the potential comments from Cardiff City with other stakeholders (SGSA, DCMS, Premier League etc) to seek their views and intentions on a way forward. At the meeting it was agreed that a Letter be prepared by GB / EW and forward to CCFC; however since the meeting GB has received confirmation from the Department of Culture Media and Sport that they agree with the approach of the Council to date.

(iii) Cardiff Arms Park (Cardiff Rugby Club) The report for Cardiff Arms Park was agreed and accepted

(iv) SWALEC Stadium The report for SWALEC Stadium was agreed and accepted confirming that the recent ODI passed off well with improved traffic management, the Council having chosen to revert to a previously agreed plan for restricting traffic in Sophia Close and opening access on to Cowbridge Road East. RJ confirmed that SWALEC had adopted the use of a private contractor with sniffer dogs to assist in searching spectators before entry; the system worked very well and could be used successfully at other venues. GB to highlight this to other venues. (done)

(v) Leckwith Athletic Stadium The report for Leckwith Athletic Stadium was agreed and accepted

(vi) Glamorgan Wanderers

C:\Documents and Settings\gbond\Desktop\FoI Request October 2014\Redacted SAG Minutes 18th September 2013.docm - 3 - The report for Glamorgan Wanderers was agreed and accepted

(vii) Cardiff International White Water Rafting Centre The report for CIWWRC was agreed and accepted.

6. Points of Interest (i) SAG Policy Update As the Council is still undergoing a major restructuring of its senior management the process cannot be completed at this time. The current policy however is robust and relevant. EW will arrange to meet with PW / GB to discuss further in due course.

(ii) Traffic Management EW and South Wales Police are continuing their discussions; at present the Council is considering the comments of SWP before providing a response. EW to respond to SWP

(iii) Hillsborough Report The fall out from the report presented last September is ongoing.

(iv) Event Safety Guide (Purple Guide) The comments in the report were noted, consultation closes 31 st October 2013

(v) FoI / EIR request GB advised the Group of a request for information in respect of SAG meetings between 2009 and July 2013, information provided.

(vi) Fire Service Industrial Action Confirmation now received of action on 25 th September between 12:00 noon and 16:00; general advisory information has previously been circulated to the venues.

7. SGSA Update JP not available no issues to report.

8. Core Cities Group Update There has not been a meeting since our last Group meeting.

9. Emergency Planning Sub-Group Confirmed that the table top exercise at Cardiff City attendance to two events, Bon Jovi again at Cardiff City Stadium and the ODI at SWALEC Stadium. GM provided a brief report to the Group a copy circulated.

10. A.O.B. Note that there are no events scheduled during the period of the Fire Service Industrial Action (AH)

Traffic Management, update on progress requested to SWP (RJ)

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Limited support is available from specially trained Ambulance Service personnel in respect of minor road traffic incidents and person extraction (AH)

11. Date and Time of Next Meeting TBC

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