Statement from PSC Steering Group

[King Sav]

Last week, PSC were invited to a pre meeting by Lancashire Constabulary regarding the fixture at Bloomfield Road on the 22nd October. This invitation was made after the decisions were already finalised regarding the allocation of tickets to Preston North End supporters and the enforced changes to kick off times for both the upcoming game and the return fixture at Deepdale in April.

PSC is very disappointed that Supporters Groups, such as ourselves, were not even given the curtesy of being informed, consulted or asked for our thoughts about the decisions being made regarding the fixture on 22nd October before they were made public. This goes against the constructive way we engaged with local commanders before and after the game last year. Indeed we gave Lancashire Constabulary highly detailed feedback over a large number of issues that were raised on the day.

As such, PSC Steering Group has declined the invitation to the meeting and will not attend. We do not believe this meeting will serve any purpose when major decisions have already been made without supporters involvement. The group does not want to be used as a tick box for light touch consultation. Lancashire Constabulary should look at the relationship Supporters Groups have with Preston North End FC for meaningful dialogue.

In summary, the local commanders have had detailed feedback from supporters who experienced the game at Bloomfield Road last season. They include:

• Fans who travelled on coaches should not be delayed entry to the ground, as many experienced last year
• Fans should not be restricted in making their way to Bloomfield Road in a manner which makes them arrive 15 minutes after Kick Off, creating dangerous bottlenecks.
• Fans should feel safe to leave the ground at full time without incident.

PSC expects the local commanders have learnt the lessons of last year and prevent a repeat.

 

[Paul_pne]

Last week, PSC were invited to a pre meeting by Lancashire Constabulary regarding the fixture at Bloomfield Road on the 22nd October. This invitation was made after the decisions were already finalised regarding the allocation of tickets to Preston North End supporters and the enforced changes to kick off times for both the upcoming game and the return fixture at Deepdale in April.

PSC is very disappointed that Supporters Groups, such as ourselves, were not even given the curtesy of being informed, consulted or asked for our thoughts about the decisions being made regarding the fixture on 22nd October before they were made public. This goes against the constructive way we engaged with local commanders before and after the game last year. Indeed we gave Lancashire Constabulary highly detailed feedback over a large number of issues that were raised on the day.

As such, PSC Steering Group has declined the invitation to the meeting and will not attend. We do not believe this meeting will serve any purpose when major decisions have already been made without supporters involvement. The group does not want to be used as a tick box for light touch consultation. Lancashire Constabulary should look at the relationship Supporters Groups have with Preston North End FC for meaningful dialogue.

In summary, the local commanders have had detailed feedback from supporters who experienced the game at Bloomfield Road last season. They include:

• Fans who travelled on coaches should not be delayed entry to the ground, as many experienced last year
• Fans should not be restricted in making their way to Bloomfield Road in a manner which makes them arrive 15 minutes after Kick Off, creating dangerous bottlenecks.
• Fans should feel safe to leave the ground at full time without incident.

PSC expects the local commanders have learnt the lessons of last year and prevent a repeat.

Well all you can do is your best
and you have gone above and beyond well done guys

 

[JG1888]

Not sure why supporters groups would be consulted on ticket allocation and kick off times. That’s between the clubs and police.

Would the meeting not have been useful to discuss decisions on the issues mentioned on the bullet point?

Not a dig at the PSC by the way.

 

[King Sav]

Not sure why supporters groups would be consulted on ticket allocation and kick off times. That’s between the clubs and police.

Would the meeting not have been useful to discuss decisions on the issues mentioned on the bullet point?

Not a dig at the PSC by the way.

Fully understand that way of thinking, but they did involve supporters groups in discussions last year before announcements and this year have chosen not to.We have had previous meetings where we have already raised these issues. It is for Lancashire Constabulary to now deliver what they were told last year and act on the promise that they would deliver on improvements suggested.
Given that there is a danger that lessons will not be learned, we do not want the group to be used under the premise that we have in any way endorsed any failures. Plus all the major decisions have been made anyway

 

[JG1888]

Fully understand that way of thinking, but they did involve supporters groups in discussions last year before announcements and this year have chosen not to.We have had previous meetings where we have already raised these issues. It is for Lancashire Constabulary to now deliver what they were told last year and act on the promise that they would deliver on improvements suggested.
Given that there is a danger that lessons will not be learned, we do not want the group to be used under the premise that we have in any way endorsed any failures. Plus all the major decisions have been made anyway

Ahh okay makes sense then Sav, didn’t realise the group had been involved last time

 

[Tommmm12345]

Well all you can do is your best
and you have gone above and beyond well done guys

Yeah agree keep up good work @King Sav

 

[Liberation]

Last week, PSC were invited to a pre meeting by Lancashire Constabulary regarding the fixture at Bloomfield Road on the 22nd October. This invitation was made after the decisions were already finalised regarding the allocation of tickets to Preston North End supporters and the enforced changes to kick off times for both the upcoming game and the return fixture at Deepdale in April.

PSC is very disappointed that Supporters Groups, such as ourselves, were not even given the curtesy of being informed, consulted or asked for our thoughts about the decisions being made regarding the fixture on 22nd October before they were made public. This goes against the constructive way we engaged with local commanders before and after the game last year. Indeed we gave Lancashire Constabulary highly detailed feedback over a large number of issues that were raised on the day.

As such, PSC Steering Group has declined the invitation to the meeting and will not attend. We do not believe this meeting will serve any purpose when major decisions have already been made without supporters involvement. The group does not want to be used as a tick box for light touch consultation. Lancashire Constabulary should look at the relationship Supporters Groups have with Preston North End FC for meaningful dialogue.

In summary, the local commanders have had detailed feedback from supporters who experienced the game at Bloomfield Road last season. They include:

• Fans who travelled on coaches should not be delayed entry to the ground, as many experienced last year
• Fans should not be restricted in making their way to Bloomfield Road in a manner which makes them arrive 15 minutes after Kick Off, creating dangerous bottlenecks.
• Fans should feel safe to leave the ground at full time without incident.

PSC expects the local commanders have learnt the lessons of last year and prevent a repeat.

"PSC expects the local commanders have learnt the lessons of last year and prevent a repeat." Don't hold your breath mate but well done to all involved for standing your ground... 👍

 

[Liberation]

Not sure why supporters groups would be consulted on ticket allocation and kick off times. That’s between the clubs and police.

Would the meeting not have been useful to discuss decisions on the issues mentioned on the bullet point?

Not a dig at the PSC by the way.

Who have proven previously that they can't run a piss up in a brewery... Surely every interested party should be included in discussions before decisions are made? Why on earth would you object to that?.Would you attend a meeting for a " chat " about something that was already decided?........... Your post suggests that you would but personally I'm buggered if I'd waste my time.

 

[Liberation]

Fully understand that way of thinking, but they did involve supporters groups in discussions last year before announcements and this year have chosen not to.We have had previous meetings where we have already raised these issues. It is for Lancashire Constabulary to now deliver what they were told last year and act on the promise that they would deliver on improvements suggested.
Given that there is a danger that lessons will not be learned, we do not want the group to be used under the premise that we have in any way endorsed any failures. Plus all the major decisions have been made anyway

And you would be, believe me.... Even included in a " harmless " statement that you were consulted.. I agree that you did the right thing by staying away.