5th January 2024

Stevenage update

Thank you to everyone who responded to our request for feedback on the Stevenage experience.

We have fed back all the comments to the Club and these are being combined with others received directly, and from parties associated to the Club's Safety Advisory Group, and fed back into the investigation being done by Stevenage.

Supporters have asked what the situation is at the Cledara Abbey Stadium with regard to the handling of a similar incident and the Club has provided the following response:

"The stadium has two generators that supply back up power in the event of a power failure, and both generators are inspected and certificated every six months. These are also tested on a game by game basis along with the emergency lights, and the results documented for every game played at the stadium. The back up would not power the floodlights but would ensure we could safely operate the stadium (e.g. CCTV, stand and internal lighting, WIFI) to enable it to be safely evacuated. The stadium control room and medical centre also have their own battery-operated emergency lighting in the event of the generator back up unit failing.

"The PA system has a secondary power supply from one of the generators and this is also tested and serviced annually. The system is also tested before every event at the stadium and documented, This includes the over-ride system that allows the stadium control room to take control of the system. The stadium control room also carries two loud hailers in the event of the secondary PA system back up failing.

"The CCTV system has a UPS that ensures a constant power supply to the system in the event of a mains power failure, and the system is also backed up with the a generator and tested prior to each game.

"Cambridge United always have an electrician on duty for all first-team fixtures but there is no guarantee that if we had a major electrical failure problem that it could be repaired in time for the game to take place. However, the systems we have would enable a safe evacuation under the emergency lighting.

"We will use the events at Stevenage as an opportunity to review our own safety management procedures and will implement any learnings immediately."

Finally, we are aware that fans will be out of pocket for their travel costs and have questions regarding the arrangements for the revised date. The Club have advised us as follows:

"Once the new date has been set, SFC are required to offer to refund tickets to those who cannot attend the new date and these will be processed by the CUFC ticket office (details will be published on the website and via email). If you are able to attend then your ticket will be able to be re-used. SFC are not required to make a contribution to supporters' travel costs."

We will keep you updated on progress with all the above. Please let us know if you have any further questions...