Access for home fans

[GetIntoEm]

It's going to take a lot longer than an additional 3 minutes for those who park their cars north of the fire station on Belvedere Road using the new route.

Just go through Holcombe drive, be no difference

[beddie]

This is quite devastating for me.
I have osteoarthritis in both knees in various stages. I have followed Burnley since the days of Jimmy McIlroy and presently pay for my son, daughter, grandson and granddaughter's tickets.
My wife has always dropped me off at the cricket field path and picked me up after on Belvedere Road.
Absolutely no chance I can walk around Turf Moor and the cricket field. I have always dreaded the walk up to Belvedere Road a it is.
I have had a walking stick stepped on many a time even on that comparative short walk
I assume I can just cancel my direct debit without penalty.
I'm devastated but I can't put myself in a ridiculous situation.
Why the hell have they done this for?

So sorry to read this. What about your wife driving the other way round leading down to brunshaw road from the top road (ridge avenue) she’d be able to get very close to the ground and turn round to go back, likewise pick you up afterwards at the drop off point. Don’t let them win by stopping your enjoyment.

[Sproggy]

It's about the same distance from the centre of the longside to Belvedere road as it is to the Park View.

[claret wizard]

It's about the same distance from the centre of the longside to Belvedere road as it is to the Park View.

But to get to the Park View you’ll now have to navigate the Gate of Death and the Kerb precipice.

[KlyBfc]

Just go through Holcombe drive, be no difference

But there is, you still have to get to level with the side of the club shop through the crush which will develop and turn back on yourself.

Those who sit in the longside and exited up ormerod yard already know that it was very busy going round the media parking fence before you got to the CFS folk exiting. All those in the longside will now add to the club shop exit with even more than before turning up the path to reach holcombe drive.

My guess is those (and i appreciate might be wrong) suggesting its not an issue are not impacted by this decision. They either don’t sit in the longside and leave via ormerod yard or don’t regularly attend, as anyone who does would fully appreciate the concerns fans have raised. This isn’t about a longer walk for me ( i can do it and enjoy exercise) as we will likely change our parking spot and no longer have a beer before the game ( i won’t oay the clubs prices anyway def not now) it’s about the lack of thought / consultation / last minute throwing of it on us, it’s about the safety of all esp kids and those who are little anxious/ unstable, and finally those who have attended for many many years but are now left with decision on if they attend games or not.

[JohnMcGreal]

Just go through Holcombe drive, be no difference

I don't park up there, but I know that a lot do.

The route through the memorial gardens onto Holcombe Drive and joining Belvedere Road is about 435m longer than it is from the west side of the JH stand and walking up Ormerod Yard.

That's a fair bit of extra distance that can't exactly be walked quickly, with all the additional congestion heading in the same direction.

But to be honest this issue is one of convenience, the bigger concern is that of safety.

[KlyBfc]

But there is, you still have to get to level with the side of the club shop through the crush which will develop and turn back on yourself.

Those who sit in the longside and exited up ormerod yard already know that it was very busy going round the media parking fence before you got to the CFS folk exiting. All those in the longside will now add to the club shop exit with even more than before turning up the path to reach holcombe drive.

My guess is those (and i appreciate might be wrong) suggesting its not an issue are not impacted by this decision. They either don’t sit in the longside and leave via ormerod yard or don’t regularly attend, as anyone who does would fully appreciate the concerns fans have raised. This isn’t about a longer walk for me ( i can do it and enjoy exercise) as we will likely change our parking spot and no longer have a beer before the game ( i won’t oay the clubs prices anyway def not now) it’s about the lack of thought / consultation / last minute throwing of it on us, it’s about the safety of all esp kids and those who are little anxious/ unstable, and finally those who have attended for many many years but are now left with decision on if they attend games or not.

Should read unstable on their feet…. Re read that and didn’t like how i had worded it next to anxious.

[Sproggy]

But to be honest this issue is one of convenience, the bigger concern is that of safety.

Sit in your seat for 5 minutes after the game and soak up the post match fan experience. By that time the crowds will have shrunk back to about the same levels as those previously trying to get up Ormerod yard from The CFS, Longside and a few from the JM imediately after the game.

[Sproggy]

But to get to the Park View you’ll now have to navigate the Gate of Death and the Kerb precipice.

What's your estimate on how long it will take for the worst of the crushing to have eased off after the final whistle vs. the additional time to walk round to the gate with chronically infirm knees?

[forzagranata]

I also find it shocking how this has been done, and seemingly with very little consultation.

However, playing devil's advocate, don't forget there will be no longer home fans exiting out of the cricket field stand at the far side, and it certainly was the case that not all those fans headed up Ormerod yard, a hell of a lot used to turn right behind the JH and head off that way so those numbers will be taken out of the equation.

It has also been mentioned that there is a route through the houses, admittedly a little further of a walk, but you certainly don't need to go all the way around the ground adding to the pinch points to get to your desired location.

I suppose we'll just have to wait and see, at this moment all the problems we're all mentioning are purely hypothetical and until we've had a couple of home games and seen how things develop, we won't truly know.

I'm pretty sure the club, in an age where people sueue for the drop of a hat, have done the due diligence on crowd safety, emergency access etc, guess we'll have a clearer idea by about 6PM on Saturday.

Surely this is exactly the kind of issue that you have a Fan Advisory Board for? The new plans for the tunnel/CFS etc were surely discussed with the FAB?

[CrosspoolClarets]

You honestly believe Burnley fans won’t be allowed to use the exit if an attack occurred? What’s gonna come over the speakers “Shooter at the Jimmy Mc Gate. Burnley fans this is your only exit, take your chances”.

The original post was someone who said they would likely fence it off by extending the TV compound. So in an emergency, heaven forbid, there is no way out. I was saying I don’t see how they could be allowed to fence that off fully. It would have to be a line of stewards but I bet they do indeed fence it off.

[Inchy]

I’ve worked out (on strava) that from the back of the JHS to Belvedere road via the old route is 300 yards.
Walking round the ground to the same point on Belvedere road is 740 yards.


On paper it’s not a lot but I think what the club don’t realise is the extra 400 yards isn’t the issue for most people. The issue is the amount of time some fans with mobility issues will have to be stood, slow shuffling. Those extra 400 yards could take 20-30 mins. That’s a long time extra on feet for some people.


Have the club offered to relocate fans with mobility issues to the BLS? I know it’s not the same as being in the JHS but it’s the very least the club could do

[ChorltonCharlie]

I don't park up there, but I know that a lot do.

The route through the memorial gardens onto Holcombe Drive and joining Belvedere Road is about 435m longer than it is from the west side of the JH stand and walking up Ormerod Yard.

That's a fair bit of extra distance that can't exactly be walked quickly, with all the additional congestion heading in the same direction.

But to be honest this issue is one of convenience, the bigger concern is that of safety.

I got about the same distance. Which is around 6 minutes at a steady walk, before you include the slow moving congestion. Quite conceivable that it's more like 15 minutes. That's before you factor in that in my experience the walk around to Holcombe is not well lit and is very wet/dirty after bad weather.

It's odd that some people are being so dismissive of genuine concerns.

For me it will probably add a few minutes after the game and is very much a first world problem, but for others it will make a big difference. It will only encourage the kind of people who like to rush off to leave even earlier, and more of them, which goes against what Alan Pace has publicly said before.

[Row x]

Just to be clear, I don't agree with the changes, but there's a lot of over reaction, people calling it the gate of death etc etc
A lot of football grounds have bottlenecks, with far more fans going through than at turf moor.

Old Trafford is a real pain if you exit behind the scoreboard end, then meet all those coming from the north stand. Nobody has died as far as I know.

[GetIntoEm]

Someone should start a death counter. Be good evidence to go back to the club with

[Rick_Muller]

I wonder how many commenting on this thread were being dismissive about those of us in the CFS who complained about having our seats swapped without consultation. Thing is, I feel we’ve all been screwed over by this change. That said, I’m willing to see how it goes on Saturday (providing I do get a copy of my digital tickets which STILL haven’t arrived). I will try and call the ticket office this afternoon and find out what is happening.

[ChorltonCharlie]

Just to be clear, I don't agree with the changes, but there's a lot of over reaction, people calling it the gate of death etc etc
A lot of football grounds have bottlenecks, with far more fans going through than at turf moor.

Old Trafford is a real pain if you exit behind the scoreboard end, then meet all those coming from the north stand. Nobody has died as far as I know.

Agree there’s the odd hyperbole post. From a risk point of view I expect the likelihood of something bad happening is still very low, but it will have increased with these changes. Frustration from my point of view is how little awareness it appears the club has, and that they haven’t given thought how to make things better. You can’t sell something as improving the fan experience whilst at the same time making the experience of leaving the stadium much worse (and I appreciate for some take away from the pre-match). Plus they talk about matchday atmosphere, knowing we have a problem with early leavers, when their changes are likely to exacerbate the situation.

[GetIntoEm]

Agree there’s the odd hyperbole post. From a risk point of view I expect the likelihood of something bad happening is still very low, but it will have increased with these changes. Frustration from my point of view is how little awareness it appears the club has, and that they haven’t given thought how to make things better. You can’t sell something as improving the fan experience whilst at the same time making the experience of leaving the stadium much worse (and I appreciate for some take away from the pre-match). Plus they talk about matchday atmosphere, knowing we have a problem with early leavers, when their changes are likely to exacerbate the situation.

We don't know if it's better yet. Nobody does. We've not tried it

[Casper2]

Someone should start a death counter. Be good evidence to go back to the club with

What a ridiculous comment

[BleedingClaret]

Just go through Holcombe drive, be no difference

Really?
So the amount of people that go down Ormerod yard should go that way and go down the little lane around the perimeter of the ground or through the memorial garden and squeeze through the little gate, where they arrive going against the flow of fans from Brunshaw Road and have to do a pirouette.
Or should they go all the way along Brownhill Ave to Brunshaw Road turn right in order to join the Shop Corner Crush.

[BigBadBarnes]

It seems really poor planning that all of the fans in the 2 largest stands will exit through 1 pinch point all in order to keep the away fans away from those entering/sitting in the BL.

[ChorltonCharlie]

We don't know if it's better yet. Nobody does. We've not tried it

Better in relation to getting the best part of 14,000 people through a ~7m gap in a short period of time. Are you being deliberately obtuse?

[PremierLeagueClass]

Agree there’s the odd hyperbole post. From a risk point of view I expect the likelihood of something bad happening is still very low, but it will have increased with these changes. Frustration from my point of view is how little awareness it appears the club has, and that they haven’t given thought how to make things better. You can’t sell something as improving the fan experience whilst at the same time making the experience of leaving the stadium much worse (and I appreciate for some take away from the pre-match). Plus they talk about matchday atmosphere, knowing we have a problem with early leavers, when their changes are likely to exacerbate the situation.

Sensible, balanced post that I think probably represents the vast majority of the fanbase.

[GetIntoEm]

Better in relation to getting the best part of 14,000 people through a ~7m gap in a short period of time. Are you being deliberately obtuse?

Nope, I just don't lead a intensely negative life. Will see how it is tomorrow. I already leave the north stand and go down the path along the memorial garden so my route doesnt change. Be interested to see if it's impacted or not before handing my season ticket back or whatever people are threatening.

Prefer to see the evidence, than emotional reactions. Just how I am

[BleedingClaret]

We don't know if it's better yet. Nobody does. We've not tried it

Matters not whether in time the home fans in The CFS prefer their new Position, and the New Fanzone and 2nd internal tier if that's happening & their entry off HPW, If it works out the atmosphere is better with away fans Sandwiched in between more vocal home fans, or if the tunnel works out better or the home team coach arrival is better.
The lack of Communication and especially it's tardiness and the issues of access & exit caused to the fans in the Longside & Beehole Stands and the Slyness by using the FAB & NDA's is shameful and can't be undone.

[NottsClaret]

We always used to park on Holcombe Drive back in the day - only around 2,000 on then so it was easy. Someone wants to open a pie shop on that estate now, like that one on Higgin Street.

[BleedingClaret]

Surely this is exactly the kind of issue that you have a Fan Advisory Board for? The new plans for the tunnel/CFS etc were surely discussed with the FAB?

The suggestion is that FAB members signed NDA's

[beddie]

The suggestion is that FAB members signed NDA's

That’s a joke, right?

[Bosscat]

Where are they closing Belvedere road from, will we still be able to park on the Tennis Club etc...

They say Belvedere road will be for all the away fans Coaches.

Trying to get answers to these questions falls on deaf ears

[BleedingClaret]

That’s a joke, right?

I'm not sure it is.

They we're told things but the minutes of the meetings don't include their reactions or questions, like they weren't there or were in totally agreement and very little leaked out about the changes.

It should be a joke

[ClaretTony]

Where are they closing Belvedere road from, will we still be able to park on the Tennis Club etc...

They say Belvedere road will be for all the away fans Coaches.

Trying to get answers to these questions falls on deaf ears

I've been told it will be a hard closure from the Wellington traffic lights to just before the cricket club and then a soft closure from there beyond. That will allow people to get to the cricket club by car if they come from the fire station end so the same will apply to the tennis club.

[Bosscat]

I've been told it will be a hard closure from the Wellington traffic lights to just before the cricket club and then a soft closure from there beyond. That will allow people to get to the cricket club by car if they come from the fire station end so the same will apply to the tennis club.

Thanks Tony thats more info than I`ve been able to glean from the club

[GetIntoEm]

That’s a joke, right?

And not a single one of them have jacked it in and spilled the beans.

It's all ego fuelling shite. They think they are the chosen ones.

They are not representing fans, they are polishing their own knobs

[fidelcastro]

They are not representing fans, they are polishing their own knobs

[BleedingClaret]

And not a single one of them have jacked it in and spilled the beans.

It's all ego fuelling shite. They think they are the chosen ones.

They are not representing fans, they are polishing their own knobs

Correct and chosen by the club who know how to use these tools
All very Grubby

[JohnMac]

I sit in NU3 and coming from Town it isn't much different to walk around via the Club Shop. For those saying it will be dangerous post match, I think it will be far easier than navigating the exit into Ormerod Yard and then the subsequent shuffle, especially in the dark.

[ClaretTony]

Thanks Tony thats more info than I`ve been able to glean from the club

From the most reliable of source

[Inchy]

And not a single one of them have jacked it in and spilled the beans.

It's all ego fuelling shite. They think they are the chosen ones.

They are not representing fans, they are polishing their own knobs

This is the weird thing about the FAB. I’m sure some of them must know it’s obviously a tick boxing exercise, unless the club have purposely chosen morons who are easily appeased with ego stroking, which I doubt. So I’m amazed that none of them have quit and spilt the beans. If I was one of the chosen ones I would have quit long ago. It’s a sham

[fidelcastro]

This is the weird thing about the FAB. I’m sure some of them must know it’s obviously a tick boxing exercise, unless the club have purposely chosen morons who are easily appeased with ego stroking, which I doubt. So I’m amazed that none of them have quit and spilt the beans. If I was one of the chosen ones I would have quit long ago. It’s a sham

How many people are on it? Do we know if any of them post on here?

[Inchy]

How many people are on it? Do we know if any of them post on here?

I think someone postes on here a while ago defending it and was a member, although I might be misremembering

[Inchy]

It would be very unusual that they wouldnt post on here being the most active BFC messageboard.

People that run supporters clubs, ISA, or are members of the FAB etc tend to be a bit obsessive about the club, so you would imagine they would be on here

[ChorltonCharlie]

Nope, I just don't lead a intensely negative life. Will see how it is tomorrow. I already leave the north stand and go down the path along the memorial garden so my route doesnt change. Be interested to see if it's impacted or not before handing my season ticket back or whatever people are threatening.

Prefer to see the evidence, than emotional reactions. Just how I am

40 minutes later...

And not a single one of them have jacked it in and spilled the beans.

It's all ego fuelling shite. They think they are the chosen ones.

They are not representing fans, they are polishing their own knobs

[GetIntoEm]

It would be very unusual that they wouldnt post on here being the most active BFC messageboard.

People that run supporters clubs, ISA, or are members of the FAB etc tend to be a bit obsessive about the club, so you would imagine they would be on here

One of them posted a while back. I want to say somebody called "George" who claimed to be the spokesman and would share information here.

Soon gave up tho

[GetIntoEm]

40 minutes later...

The 2 are not connected, we've seen enough evidence of the FAB to reach a definitive conclusion

[claret wizard]

How many people are on it? Do we know if any of them post on here?

Details from this link shown below

https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/mor ... ters-clubs

click on Fan Advisory Board, then on the Members section and it shows the text below.
===================================================================================

Here we’d like to introduce you the FAB Members.

The Fan Advisory Board currently consists of 22 members, all members represent under 18s, 18-24s, 25-34s, 35-44s, 45 -54s, 55-64s & 65-75s. Amongst the members, some of the members also represent gender, disability, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Adnan Ahmed
Afrasiab Anwar
Andrew Taylor
Charlie Binns
Charlotte Rigby
Daniel Moorhouse
Paul Kidd
Emily Parkinson
Eve Gurman
Evelyn Clough
George Poole
Harry Devonport
Joshua Thompson
Julian Booth
Justine Bedford
Lee Robinson
Natalie Bromley
Natalie Newbitt

[ChorltonCharlie]

The 2 are not connected, we've seen enough evidence of the FAB to reach a definitive conclusion

Course you have.

The FAB criticisms just show ignorance in my opinion. Course they have to sign NDA’s. It’s standard procedure with something like that. Same was the case for previous versions. It helps with trust that the club can share sensitive information to gauge their feelings. I’m sure the FAB do let the club know their feelings, but ultimately they’re only there as a sounding board and have no authority, which is no different to any other fan group. In my experience the club will listen, and make changes in some cases. But there will be things the club are set on and won’t listen to fan opinion.

[Chester Perry]

so this has been an eventful read

One can only presume the lateness of this is to minimise advanced protests - though the club may say it was due to late approval from the SAG

I am intrigued that there has not been a proper trial of these new procedures

I wonder about the potential for additional issues that a substantial increase in fans going in opposite directions on Harry Potts way is going to create - given where home fans are now placed in the CFS just what kind of impact fans from there heading towards Brunshaw Rd (along with the Bob Lorder's already doing the same).

Separately, it would not be fair of the club to open new routes onto Holcombe Drive, with the likely substantial increase in footfall/noise etc without appropriate consultation with the residents, a number of whom have long running issues with the club as it is.

the only way to get this changed is for any accidents to be reported and where possible claims be made against the club, something that does not appear to have happened given the reports herein

I have other thoughts but will refrain for now

[clarets1978]

One of them posted a while back. I want to say somebody called "George" who claimed to be the spokesman and would share information here.

Soon gave up tho

George is the guy who leads the Clarets Trust and quite happily shares information from fab meetings on Trust social media and by email to members (I get these emails)
I think some of the things being said about the fab is bang out of order, your comments in particular being at the head of that. What ChorltonCharlie says is probably more spot on and far more balanced than name calling and abuse

[Poulton-le-Claret]

The club said the FAB reacted ‘positively’ to the changes. If this was not the case and they have been publicly misrepresented, any normal person would resign in protest.

So either they were happy/don’t care about the lack of consultation with the wider fan base or they value being ‘in the know’ more than the impact this may have on other fans.

[Inchy]

George is the guy who leads the Clarets Trust and quite happily shares information from fab meetings on Trust social media and by email to members (I get these emails)
I think some of the things being said about the fab is bang out of order, your comments in particular being at the head of that. What ChorltonCharlie says is probably more spot on and far more balanced than name calling and abuse

You are correct it is bang out of order. Some of them are female and therefore don’t have knobs to polish