Safety fears for Hillsborough stand
Sheffield Wednesday has been instructed to carry out repair works after corrosion was found in the roof of the North Stand, with the city council unable to allow the venue to be used by fans until it has been certified as safe.
Sheffield City Council’s safety advisory group noted at a recent meeting that it would be unable to provide necessary safety certificates until the damage is fixed, casting doubt over whether the club will be able to open for the start of the football season in August.
A spokesperson for Sheffield Wednesday said the club will begin repair works immediately, and has already been in discussions with contractors about the work.
However, the advisory group was concerned about the lack of ‘professional reassurance as to the safety of the North Stand structure’.
Repair work is expected to focus on corrosion in the structure’s main steel roof trusses, with some steel beams replaced, and could be ongoing through the season.
Sheffield Wednesday’s first home game is scheduled for 16 August.
