Council lift prohibition notice on Wednesday stand

The North Stand at Hillsborough was finished in 1961

Sheffield City Council has lifted the prohibition notice on the North Stand at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough ground.

The council closed the stand at the end of last month because of concerns around its structural integrity.

The Owls released a statement last week to say they were working to ensure it could meet requirements in time for Saturday's first home Championship game of the season, against Stoke.

"With the notice lifted, normal operations at Hillsborough can resume, allowing supporters to return to all stands and enjoy matchdays," the council said in a statement.

The closure of the stand came amid a tumultuous summer in which the club was placed under a number of registration embargoes and manager Danny Rohl left by mutual consent, while fans have called for owner Dejphon Chansiri to sell up.

Away supporters protested against the Thai businessman's position in Sunday's first league game of the season, at Leicester City, and further protests are expected.