Our article http://www.coventrycity-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/worth_a_read_letters_to_the_coventry_telegraph_862705/index.shtml has prompted the following letter sent to us by Lionel Bird.
"I am appalled by the fact loyal disabled Sky Blues supporters are being penalised by the closure of the North Stand for the 2015/2016 season.
A letter from Christine Thomas in the Coventry Telegraph on 26 May read: "Disgusted at the way disabled supporters are being treated at the Ricoh Arena.
What's going to happen to those of us in wheelchairs and mobility scooter users, as closing the North Stand removes a third of the already pitiful seating capacity for City's loyal disabled supporters"?
I suspect the closure of this stand is purely based on financial savings as SISU continue to look at ways of reducing costs. For example, savings on stewarding, provision of food & beverage outlets and toilet facilities costs at that part of the stadium.
No doubt the excuse will be the decision was made in order to condense supporters into other areas of the stadium so to create a better match-day atmosphere.
The Supporters Consultative Group have let disabled supporters down. Jonathan Strange, then chairman of the SCG, stated at the meeting held on 29 October 2014: "There are important issues to be addressed about disabled supporters needs and facilities at the Ricoh. I will ensure that these are itemised on the SCG agenda".
The next SCG meeting was held on 4 December of which Mr. Strange attended. According to the minutes there were no specific issues discussed relating to disabled supporters. However, it was then stated:" A special session over disability issues will be scheduled".
When did this special session take place? Who attended the meeting?
SCG minutes of the meeting on 5 March 2015 and referring to Stadium Seating and Atmosphere: "Jonathan Strange repeated the need for the SCG to formulate a plan with CCFC and Wasps/ACL to present to Mr. Butterworth (chairman of the Safety Advisory Group). Tynan Scope said that Chris O'Neill is the Stadium Safety Officer.
It was decided the seating issue be put on the agenda of the next meeting".
That meeting is yet to be held. However, the decision to close the North Stand has already been made.
A couple of days ago I had a conversation with a friend who has a disability. This person has supported the Sky Blues for 59 years and had a seat in the North Stand.
After enquiring at the ticket office at Gallagher Retail Park, my friend was told the club is unable to provide a suitable seat for the forthcoming season.
What a disgrace.
Peter Ward, current chairman of the SCG, said in an article featured in the Crewe match programme: "I am pleased the current board has recognised the importance of consultation with supporters and has embraced the SCG for this purpose. Thanks to my colleagues on the SCG, the regular meetings, including discussions with the board,
are providing supporters with a mechanism to ensure their voice is heard".
Perhaps Mr. Strange and Mr. Ward should re-consider their positions on this group.
LIONEL BIRD
FORMER CCFC SHAREHOLDER
FOUNDER OF SCG IN OCTOBER 2005"
NB: Covsupport News Service and others within the SCG including Mr Strange, have raised this issue and provided a workable solution to Steve Waggott, who is now taking the matter forwards.