Part of the 'Vic' has to close

Last updated : 26 June 2004 By Pete C

Watford have been forced to close part of their East Stand from the start of next season, because the 82-year-old building has been deemed unsafe.

Closure of part of the East Stand means that nearly 600 season ticket holders will have to be moved.

Structural engineers and the stadium's Safety Advisory Group have advised the Hornets that the wooden section of the main stand - built in 1922 when the ground was first opened - isn't safe.

In a letter to season ticket holders, chairman Graham Simpson spells out the fact that a load of up to 900 spectators and a full Directors Box and Press Box on any given matchday could endanger those on top of and below the wooden seating area.

Watford say repair work would cost too much and wouldn't be a guaranteed solution. So 600 season ticket holders will be offered alternative seating in the concrete half of the stand or anywhere else in the stadium. Directors and the press will also be moved.

Plans to demolish and then rebuild the East Stand were put on hold when the collapse of ITV Digital helped trigger Watford's financial problems, and Mr Simpson said this closure only strengthened the board's resolve to buy back the freehold of the ground.

The closure also affects Premiership rugby side Saracens who share the Vicarage Road stadium.

However, in an interview with BBC Three Counties Sport, Graham Simpson says the club hope to confirm buying back their Vicarage Road ground in a matter of weeks.

He says that the closure means buying back the freehold on the ground even more urgent because they could then start to plan rebuilding the stand.

"I would hope that within a month, maybe two months at the outside, we would have some news" he said.

"We are in negotiations at the moment and I can't talk too much about it because obviously it would prejudice our chances and we must make sure that we get the best deal for Watford Football Club.

"But I do feel we are very close to being able to buy the ground back" he added.