Football club responds to stadium safety concerns

Swindon Town said "all required work is either completed or on course to be finalised"

A football club has responded to claims from a fan group that its ground may not meet safety standards, days before the opening home game of the season.

Swindon Town supporters group, Spirit of 69, posted online to say that critical safety issues had been identified at the County Ground by Swindon Borough Council.

In response, the club said it had been working to "ensure that all necessary safety measures and compliance work at the County Ground are fully completed ahead of this Saturday's fixture against Cambridge United".

In a statement sent to BBC Radio Wiltshire, the club added that as of Tuesday, "all required work is either completed or on course to be finalised".

Spirit of 69 said in a post on X: "After three years of total neglect and a recent lack of investment and upkeep, Swindon Borough Council's Event Safety Advisory Group have identified critical stadium safety upgrades that will cost £250,000 to remedy, including emergency vehicle access."

The post added that some "remedial work" had taken place this week and that the group felt that the club was "refusing to comment or provide reassurances to fans".

Swindon Town responded in a statement that it had been "working in close coordination with the relevant local authorities" to ensure that safety and compliance work would be completed ahead of Saturday's League Two fixture.

"Some of this work was scheduled as part of our usual summer maintenance and upgrade programme and has been progressing to plan," the club added.

Swindon Borough Council leader Jim Robbins said the safety of fans was a "priority" for the authority.

"We want the match on Saturday to go ahead, and for the fans to be able to enjoy the first home game of the season against Cambridge United.

"A multi-agency safety advisory group provides independent advice and sports grounds safety certificates, so events can take place safely in line with legal requirements.

"Swindon Town Football Club are currently implementing the recommendations provided by the Advisory Group after a full audit of the ground and its safety arrangements was carried out in June by the Council and the club are in regular contact with our team.

"There will be a further meeting ahead of the game this weekend to ensure all of the compliance work has been fully completed."