KHIST board member writes to MP. 

Members and other Harriers’ supporters will be interested to learn of a recent exchange of emails between KHIST board member, Warwick Nash and Wyre Forest MP, Mark Garnier.

Warwick has tried to establish the potential for re-admitting supporters into football grounds and, in particular, Harriers supporters to the Aggborough Stadium. He has made clear that many supporters are concerned for the future of the club – and for that of the non-league scene in general – as the income streams available in the Premier and Football Leagues are not available at National League level. He did suggest that perhaps a percentage of total ground capacities could be allowed access, subject to the application of strict guidelines (there had been a relaxation of rules for other venues, e.g the Royal Albert Hall) and asked if Mr. Garnier, as the local MP, is in a position to raise the issue on behalf of the supporters ?

In response, Mr. Garnier’s office has confirmed that he did co-sign a letter to the Minister, earlier this Summer, urging the government to allow a number of supporters into clubs and, that it had then been hoped it would be possible for fans to return to sports games from 1st October. Due to the rising numbers of coronavirus cases, however, the Prime Minister has since announced that the plan has been set aside. The implications for sports clubs which are the life and soul of our communities, are appreciated and Ministers are urgently considering how they can be supported.

Importantly last week, the Government announced a £10million support fund for football clubs, via the National Lottery. This will benefit the clubs in the fifth and sixth tiers of English football, so that they can continue to play behind closed doors whilst the return of fans is paused due to rising infection rates.

Warwick has been asked to accept an assurance that Ministers are working to try to open up games.