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Storm of criticism on £7m revamp
By Susan Leigh
Aug 5, 2002, 3:51pm
A £7 million refurbishment of Wolverhampton's Aldersley Stadium has been slammed as a "waste of money", with
spectators being forced to stand to watch events.
The design of the new-look stadium has been strongly criticised for failing to cater for the public's needs.
Bosses at the city council-owned stadium have hit back, saying anyone would be impressed by the revamped venue.
Regular spectator Ron Aspey, of Wood Road, Codsall, said it was outrageous that the public had to stand.
He said the seating in what used to be the first class stand had been pulled down to make way for the present leisure
hall, adding: "It would have been nice to have somewhere to sit down and watch the events.
"There are sporting events where families come and bring their youngsters - we really do need seats.
"Plus, the bar is so far away. You have to go upstairs and along the corridor to get to it.
"The old bar was at the back of the stadium and you used to get people off the streets coming in and mixing with the
athletes. It was a great atmosphere, but you don't get that now."
He said the work at Aldersley was "unimpressive".
"Terraces, which are dark and dingy, have been provided with large bars like tank traps to lean on.
"It would almost seem that the present management is not exactly trying to encourage all the sports which have
supported the stadium in the past through wasting millions on a badly designed sports hall," Mr Aspey added.
But leisure spokesman Councillor Bob Jones said the plans were drawn up after consultation with the different sports
and the city's Sport Advisory Council. These were then scrutinised and approved by Sport England.
They have had requests for seating at the stadium and were looking at the feasibility of such a project.
"But I would suggest to anybody to just go down and have a look at Aldersley and they will not be failed to be
impressed with what we have done there," added Councillor Jones. |