At the Fans Assembly meeting before the Doncaster game it was clear that the club's hierarchy share our frustration over the sound system. Both Andrew Parkinson and Zac Newton explained that the Grandstand and the 'horseshoe' are on separate systems. They had specialists recoding sound levels all around the ground on Saturday and they will report back. Having invested in a new system the club want to get it right. seemingly, it was better on Saturday but there still seems to be disparities in quality in different parts of the ground and even between the front, middle and back of the same block.
It was also confirmed that a report on the options for the Upper Tire of the Grandstand will soon be going to the Board. There are no easy options and what seemed a possibility of replacing the backs of the seating with a flatter option, to increase legroom, may not be an option due to the bespoke nature of the seats. It was confirmed that the occupation limit was not imposed the the Council as part of the Safety Certificate. The club wanted to review the safety options whilst ticket demand allowed for them to do it. The club have the option to increase occupation levels should the demand be there, say at the New Year or a favourable FA Cup home draw. The extent will depend upon the review of all the options and the ability to deliver self imposed improvements.
The screen (or the possibility of two screens) seems to be a real option and again a report will be going to the Board in the next few weeks about options and location(s).
The bins behind the Lyndhurst are to be moved to a permanent location and the lighting on the corner of the external lighting Lyndhurst / Devonport is now working. The completion of the floodlight upgrade (more lights under the Mayflower roof) and the removal of the unsightly 'goal post' lighting) is programmed but the contactors are much in demand with similar upgrades all over the EFL - even up the road which having seen it is a bit strange given that one grandstand barely extends beyond the half way line!
The meeting was an excellent example of continued informed and open communication. No subjects were off-limits. The full minutes will be published on the official site soon, no doubt. Also in attendance was Siobhan Robbie-James the club's Support Relations Manager whose job is exactly that. So if anyone has any issues feel free to contact her on
supporters@pafc.co.uk and I am sure she will deal with them.