TRAFFORD Council is limiting the capacity of Altrincham's J Davidson Stadium due to 'serious concerns over safety'.

The capacity of the stadium on Moss Lane was limited earlier in the month after a environmental health officers came to address concerns about the safety of the Fan Zone.

However, a review of the stadium as a whole revealed concerns about other safety and structural arrangements as well.

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “Trafford Council has taken the difficult decision to reduce the capacity at the stadium following safety concerns which were first raised with the club several weeks ago. The council took the decision to reduce capacity to protect the safety of supporters.

"Officers visited the ground due to issues which had been raised in relation to the safety of the Fan Zone. A full review of the stadium was undertaken, which identified further significant concerns with current safety arrangements.

"We're working closely with the club to ensure that the required improvements are undertaken to allow the capacity to increase as soon as it is safe to do so. Although these actions have come at a time when supporter numbers have increased at the club, safety must remain our number one priority."

A limit of 1,400 will remain in place for Saturday's clash with Southend United in the Vanarama National League, despite a lot of work at the stadium in the last few weeks.

A statement on The Robins' website says a number of significant repairs have been made, and a number of procedures relating to safety and stewarding have been improved.

It also says the aim is to restore the stadium to its original capacity over Christmas.

It says: "We are being tested more than we thought possible this season, on and off the field.

"And just like we responded in the best possible way on the pitch in our last two games, so we will off the pitch, too.

"Thank you for your support in a season unlike any other. The end of the tunnel is in sight."