Rival clubs help Shrewsbury near revised safe-standing target

The crowd-funding scheme, which initially required £75,000 being raised by September 12, was given an extended deadline by the football club.

But the target has now been lowered to £62,500 following discussions between Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) and manufacturers Ferco Seating, from Shrewsbury.

And with that, supporters from Championship club Bristol City pitched in to help the supporters' parliament reach its goal.

A £150 cheque from Bristol City Supporters Club & Trust helped move the total beyond £50,000, meaning just £12,500 remains to be raised for the instillation of 574 railed seats in the Salop Leisure Stand.

Town were hailed as trail-blazers in the bid to launch safe-standing in England and Wales. The idea, which was born out of supporters' parliament meetings with the club, has been backed by the Montgomery Waters Meadow outfit, who provided a £20,000 donation to help the bid over the 50 per cent mark.

Town's supporters' parliament chairman Roger Groves said the lowering of the total was an 'unexpected' boost.

He said: "Following discussions with the Shrewsbury-based seat manufacturer, Ferco Seating, and the national Sports Ground Safety Authority, it became apparent that the original specification for the area included a superfluous row of rail seating barriers hard up against the rear wall of the stand.

"We therefore revisited the plans and were able to reduce the total funds needed to £62,500, while still providing the 574 spaces we originally planned.

"That is a great unexpected boost for the campaign and I must say a big thank you to the SGSA for their expert guidance. With a big push now from all Shrews fans and supporters of safe-standing nationwide we should soon be there."