HWRS transformed with new fence
Thanks to the Premier League Stadium Fund, which has provided a 100% grant for the fencing and a 70% grant for the new dug-outs.
Supporters entering the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium on Saturday 14th November will notice quite a difference.
In September 2025, Billy Vigar, playing for Chichester City at Wingate’s ground, collided with the concrete pitch surround, and tragically, died later in hospital from his injuries.
This shook up the football world, and the FA wisely decided that all grounds with similar surrounds should have them removed and replaced with material that could cut down the potential for a similar tragedy quite substantially.
Ramsbottom United’s ground was one of many targeted, and following a meeting with club officials and representatives of the Premier League Stadium Fund, in July, plans were put in place to remove the blue wall, which had been a familiar sight for many years, and look at alternative options.
Various quotes were obtained before the PLSF were happy to accept the proposals put forward to install new Duralock Double Mesh fencing, which had been developed by Loughborough University in collaboration with the FA, and demolition of the old wall followed by installation of the new, by Rossendale-based Livero Ltd.
Applications for funding were submitted in early September, with approval granted in early October.
Looking at the fixture list, there appeared to be a three-week gap between home games from 24th October to the 14th November, giving Livero time to complete the work without disturbing the playing schedule.
Of course, in this country, the weather does not accommodate sensible planning, and on cue, the last game due to be played before work began, on 24th October against Chadderton in the Macron Cup, fell foul, following two days of torrential rain!
With the tie having to be played within the next five days, it was a case of postponing the work or transferring the match to Chadderton. Sensibly we chose the latter, and in effect, came back with a victory anyway.
So now the transformation is complete, and the ground not only looks much better, with newly-installed modern dug-outs, capable of seating up to 12 people, but is now infinitely more safe from a players point of view.
The club is indebted to the Premier League Stadium Fund, which has provided a100% grant for the fencing and a 70% grant for the new dug-outs.
The cost of transforming dozens of similar stadia throughout the country must be enormous, but this needs to contrast with the life of Billy, and any potential future victims who turn out to play football in supposedly safe arenas.
Our thanks go to all who have been involved. The PLSF, Duralock and Livero, and various other individuals who have been responsible for ensuring that the work was done swiftly and on time.
