STATEMENT | Update on situation at Swansway Chester Stadium

    Following the press announcement on Monday 13th August, Chester Football Club can now provide a further update on the current situation at the Swansway Chester Stadium.

    Unfortunately, following the extreme weather conditions on Sunday evening, the Club were in a situation whereby on Monday morning those opening the building were faced with a number of areas within the East Stand with significant water damage, including but not limited to the:

    • PA Room
    • Safety Control Room
    • Media Room
    • Upstairs and Downstairs Corridor and Walkways
    • Match Official Changing Rooms

    Given the extent of the damage it has been necessary to link in with our insurance providers who have been supporting us through the immediate actions to return the Stadium to full working order at the earliest opportunity. However, given the nature of flood damage in addition to cosmetic damage of ceiling tiles and waterlogged carpets it is anticipated that there will have been significant damage to the electrical system – in particular those areas directly affected by the flooding and potentially throughout the entire office block.

    As such, following a professional assessment this morning, Chester Football Club have acted on the advice to fully close the East Stand Admin block until a full and thorough assessment can be made to the state of the electrical system – which can only be completed once the drying out process is complete.

    The Club are continuing to work hard with various agencies to expedite recovery work and commercial driers are due on site today to assist the drying out process. Following the completion of this a full assessment of the electrical system will be made with appropriate repairs made to restore power before an assessment can be made on any additional damage caused to the Public Address and CCTV system.

    Whilst the playing surface remains in excellent condition, CCTV, Public Address System and Turnstile monitoring systems (which are all contained within the Control Room and other areas impacted by the water damage) are an essential requirement of the Clubs Safety Certificate which is a requirement for us to host games.

    The Club remain in constant dialogue with The National League regarding the fulfilment of fixtures and will make appropriate comment in due course.

    This measure of temporarily closing the Club Offices, along with the cancellation of the CFU meeting, has been made to ensure the safety of our employees, volunteers and visitors which is absolutely paramount. The Club’s telephone system and email system has been restored and can now be accessed off site however we ask that that supporters remain patient in regards to any delays in responding to any queries at this difficult time.

    We would like to formally place on record our thanks to the Employees and Volunteers who have worked tirelessly over the last few days to minimise any further damage.