Notts County SLO Stuart Brothers gives an update on the lighting at the Lane…
One of the concerns most raised by the club’s fans since I took on the role of Supporter Liaison Officer has been that of the floodlights. Obviously with the Winter nights now drawing in earlier a lot of people have brought matters to my attention.
This prompted me to approach the Board Of Directors, and they have issued me with the following response, which should appease those who have been in touch lately.
Director Aileen Trew issued this statement to supporters: “Our current floodlights were originally installed back in 1993.
“They are of a design not often seen now and some of you may have seen pictures of the occasions they have been lowered onto the pitch in order to replace lamps.
“As part of the maintenance programme scheduled by Greg Smith, our Stadium Manager, we have a company, Abacus, attend on a regular basis.
“Abacus have the specialist machinery and expertise required to safely check the various components both in the control boxes and on the mast heads. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair due to wear and tear.
“This enables us to meet the standards required by our Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and also by the Football League, with regard to lux capacity.
“As part of our rolling programme of works, this August, we commissioned Abacus to replace the control units in all 4 masts. This had become necessary due to age and corrosion over the years, and enabled us to satisfy the requirements of SAG.
“We have also been aware for some time that there were issues with lamps frequently blowing on the mast heads, which has been costly to remedy. Natural degradation has again played it’s part in this, as components on the mast heads have become brittle over time.
“The Football League require that we have a minimum lux capacity in relation to illuminating the playing area and while we exceed this with our current set up, new regulations have raised the lux requirement levels.
“Moving into the final stage of our improvements on the floodlights, the masthead and lamps, works will be commencing this month. Fewer, but more efficient lamps with longer life will provide us with a pitch well lit across all areas, with a lux capacity suitable for League 1 and Championship football under FL regulations.”
Should you have anything you would like me to raise with any department of the club, I am always available at stuart.brothers@nottscountyfc.co.uk, as well as the following forms of social media.
Contact the SLO: