14 Aug 2026
By: Alex D'arcy-Orga

WOKING FOOTBALL CLUB SAFETY RESTRICTION LIFTED

Surrey County Council has lifted the restriction placed on Woking Football Club, which limited the capacity of attendees below national football league level in relation to safety measures.

The restriction was put in place under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 and the Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987 following several health- and safety-related issues raised at fixtures earlier this year.

However, following extensive work to improve health and safety at the ground and testing of such at the Woking v Sutton United match on Saturday 8 August, the ban has been lifted.

WHAT’S CHANGED AT WOKING FOOTBALL CLUB?

The decision follows significant work by the club to strengthen safety arrangements at the Laithwaite Community Stadium, including:

The installation of thorough CCTV coverage.
The appointment of a security company with football industry experience.
Improvements to the club’s safety culture.
Retraining of stewards.
Safety improvements around the stadium.

Assistant Director for Emergency Management & Resilience at Surrey County Council, Carl Bussey, said: “The club has worked constructively with the council, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Surrey Police and other partners to address the safety measures required. The significant progress made by the club is welcomed and should be recognised as an important step in supporting safe, well-managed matchdays for supporters, staff and the wider community.

“A huge thank you to the teams from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Surrey County Council, Surrey Police and others who have worked with the club putting public safety at the forefront.”

Robin Byrne, Managing Director, Woking Football Club, said: “We would like to thank Surrey County Council, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Surrey Police and the wider Safety Advisory Group for their support, guidance and constructive approach throughout this period.

“We would also like to thank The Trust and Supporters’ Liaison Group for their continued support and engagement.”

The Club looks forward to welcoming supporters back to the Laithwaite Community Stadium and continuing to work with all relevant partners to ensure safe, enjoyable and well-managed matchdays for everyone.

“Safety will remain a key priority for the Club, and we are committed to maintaining and continually improving the standards and procedures we have put in place.”