What happened at the Surgery?
On Saturday, 10 February I held a joint surgery with representatives of the Bees United Board in the Princess Royal. I met with five supporters. I would like to thank all those that came to meet me. The main topics that they raised were:
- For next season, how will the Club be applying the smoking ban in public places that comes into force in the summer? Last year the Football League conducted supporter survey in which 87% of supporters expressed a wish for smoking to be banned at League grounds. As a result of this the Football League have stated that there should be a total ban on smoking “within the confines of the ground.” There is currently debate amongst League clubs on the implications of this decision and how this ban can be enforced. The Club intends to wait for the conclusion of this debate before deciding how the ban would be applied at Griffin Park. I will pressing the Club to make a decision on this prior to the release of season ticket applications for next season, so that both smokers and non-smokers can make an informed choice about their purchase.
- When will the Club be making an announcement about the outcome of the incident involving stewards and two long-term supporters at the home game with Leyton Orient? Following a joint review between the Club and BIAS they are now both working to build the “Brentford spirit” into the way matches are stewarded. Keith Dickens will shortly be updating supporters on how this will be done.
- With the roof now being built on Ealing Road are there plans to change this to the home end instead of Brook Road? The Club are currently exploring the possibility of switching ends with the various authorities. Whilst this discussion is going on the Club has invited existing Brook Road Upper season ticket holders, who will be the most affected (as there will be no seats in Ealing Road), to express their views. An informal meeting will be held before this Saturday’s game with Scunthorpe at the Princess Royal at 12.30 pm. I will be there together with Keith Dickens to hear your views. Full details of the event can be found on the official site here. If you are not a Brook Road Upper season ticket holder you can still express a view by also using the above link. I will be in Brook Road Upper before the match and the Terrace at halftime on Saturday to hear what you think.
My next surgery in the Princess Royal will be before the home game with Oldham Athletic on Sunday 25 March between 12.15 - 1.15 pm and not be before the home game with Rotherham United as previously advised.
1st March 2007