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Club Statement - Stand Deregulation
The club would like to update supporters regarding the deregulation of the main stand at the Towbar Express Stadium...
On the back of recent reports in both local and national media in relation to the deregulation of the Main Stand at the Towbar Express Stadium at the Turnbull Ground, the club can provide accurate news on the situation.
Following the removal of a small number of seats in the main stand, the need for regulation via North Yorkshire Council - which has been in place since 2007 - is no longer required.
At the licensing meeting on Tuesday, it was formally recorded by the Borough solicitor that the agreed amendment would by sent to Whitby Town Football Club on Friday 10 January by Trading Standards. This document serves as the official notice of deregulation. As of 5pm yesterday (Friday 10 January 2025), this has not happened.
Over the years, the club have tried and failed to have the main stand de-regulated. On Tuesday, following a meeting with North Yorkshire Council, the request to de-regulate the stand has been approved.
The seating capacity at the Towbar Express Stadium is now 498 (including seats in the disabled area) bringing the stand under the threshold required for regulation under North Yorkshire Council's rules. This capacity is still way above the seating capacity of 250 required by the Northern Premier League.
Since the opening of the main stand in 2007, the club have accumulated circa £250,000 in costs due to the extra health & safety measures in place at football stadiums with a seating capacity of 500 or more.
The deregulation of the stand is now set to significantly reduce the costs paid out, helping to protect both the immediate and further future of Whitby Town Football Club.
The club will continue to operate by the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide), and adhere to the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975. Cindy Ripley will continue in the role of GSO, while the number of required matchday stewards and health & safety personnel will be reduced on the back of deregulation. This will bring matchday costs down significantly across the course of the season.
The existing Ground Safety Certificate remains in place and has not been affected.