- Supporter Feedback Forum took place at London Stadium on Wednesday
- Group of 15 nominated fans discussed issues with Board members, staff and stakeholders
- Positive three-hour meeting tackled a wide-range of topics
A successful first West Ham United Supporter Feedback Forum has taken place at London Stadium.
A group of 15 fans representing the large and diverse West Ham United fan base sat down for a productive three-hour discussion with a panel consisting of Board members, senior staff members and representatives from London Stadium and the Metropolitan Police at the Hammers’ new home on Wednesday evening.
The fans were selected to take part from the hundreds of supporters who have provided feedback by an independent panel, whose remit was to select a group representing the different areas of London Stadium and minority groups of supporters.
The supporters were selected based on a number of criteria, including where they sit in the Stadium, their age, gender and also whether they represent other key groups of supporters, for example Bondholders and disabled supporters.
Those present focused on the issues that have arisen since West Ham’s momentous move to Stratford in the summer, including stewarding, safety and security, segregation, transport, ingress and egress, policing, accessibility, migration and relocation, ticketing and Club London.
Read the full Supporter Feedback Forum minutes
The Forum began with Vice-Chairman Karren Brady thanking all supporters who have provided valuable feedback since the Club completed the migration from the Boleyn Ground to its new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
“I would like to extend my thanks to those supporters who attended and gave up their time so willingly to represent the wider supporter base,” said the Vice-Chairman.
‘This Supporter Feedback Forum was set up to provide the Board with an opportunity to hear directly from supporters representing our diverse fan base, enabling them to express their views and concerns and offer suggestions, with the ultimate aim of improving the London Stadium for all. The meeting was frank, honest and productive and my Board, the rest of the panel and I can begin to work on the feedback we received.
“As I have said before, we acknowledge there have been some teething issues as we all acclimatise to our new surroundings but I hope supporters can see how we have rolled up our sleeves and dealt with the issues head on.
“Together with all London Stadium stakeholders, we will continue to work night and day until the matchday experience at the Stadium is the best it can be, in a home which we can all be proud of, as was always our vision for our supporters’’
“We would like to thank the wider fan base for their loyal support during what has been a momentous, exciting and challenging period in the history of West Ham United.”
The Vice-Chairman told Forum members that a great deal of hard work had and will continue to go into making the transition as seamless as possible.
The panel were able to give positive updates on many of the issues, confirming that the partnership between the stakeholders continues to become stronger and more productive.
Metropolitan Police officers confirmed were quick to dispel the perception that there was a lack of police presence at the stadium. They confirmed that detailed plans are already in place ahead of the EFL Cup fourth-round visit of Chelsea on 26 October, while it was confirmed that the ‘Airwave’ mobile communications network used by the Emergency Services is to be installed.
The Forum was also informed that more than 400 Hammers have successfully been relocated to new seats and the online Ticket Exchange has been launched ahead of the Premier League visit of Sunderland on 22 October.
London Stadium safety officer Peter Smith also spoke positively about the improvements in stewarding provision and safety and security issues arising at the venue, whilst supporters Trevor Bright and Cathy Bayford praised the stadium’s accessibility.
Panel members promised to maintain close communication with supporters and encouraged the fan base to continue providing feedback on any issues arising via email to [email protected].
The Vice-Chairman closed a very positive evening by thanking everyone who had contributed.
Click here to read the full minutes from the Supporter Feedback Forum.
Click here to listen to a panelist from the Feedback Forum on talkSPORT