Competitive football is on hold at Westbury United until at least 18th December.
With lockdown 2 completed and a tier system now in place to try to combat the Covid-19 virus, club chairman Greg Coulson told White Horse News, “The league made the decision to continue with the pause to the season because of the Bristol teams that are in tier 3 and also because the other teams in the league are Tier 2.
“In accordance with the government and FA guidelines, a team in tier 2 can have fans, however to open the clubhouse it has to operate as a restaurant and to serve food from the tea hut they would have to sell tickets in advance and ensure people are seated when eating.
“These guidelines are under constant review and there are plans to speak to Wiltshire County Council to see if, with the risk assessments and Covid-19 measures already in place at Meadow Lane, they can operate a takeaway service to allow fans to eat and drink whilst standing and watching the match.
“Training can continue and there is nothing to prevent friendly matches with local teams who are also in tier 2; a planned friendly with Corsham Town on Saturday 5th December was moved to Tuesday 8th December due to the weather.
The fixture will then be reversed and the plan is to go to Corsham’s Southbank ground on Thursday 10th December.
“As the reserves play in the Trowbridge and District League, they are only scheduled to play local teams who are in tier 2, therefore they recommenced competitive football with a fine 4-2 win away at The Aces on Saturday 5th December. They have home matches scheduled for 12th December and 2nd January, fans are allowed and there might be hot food and drinks being served.
“Due to the lack of football and activity in general, the Westbury Utd committee are searching for ways to support the local community and generate an income.
“One idea is to open the clubhouse as a restaurant on Sundays for Sunday lunches and one evening a week for a curry night or something similar, Watch this space and keep an eye on Westbury Utd’s social media for updates on this.”
