Huddersfield bid to become first Premier League team to get safe standing as local MP gets behind move
The 'Stand Up For Town' campaign has bee backed by politician Thelma Walker to have safe standing areas at the John Smith's Stadium
HUDDERSFIELD have been boosted in their quest to become the first Premier League side to have 'safe standing' areas at the John Smith's Stadium.
The 'Stand Up For Town' group have been campaigning for safe standing to be introduced, and they have now received the backing from Colne Valley Labour MP Thelma Walker.
In a statement, the 60-year-old said: "As a child, I used to stand with my dad at matches, and I’ll never forget that sense of excitement and the atmosphere it generated.
"So, if the technology for safe standing exists, the authorities should seriously consider permitting its introduction in English stadia.
"After all, whether they prefer to sit or stand, everybody deserves to enjoy a day at the football."
While the Terriers have also received support from two Kirklees councillors - Almondbury ward representative Bernard McGuin and Lindley Ward councillor Cahal Burke.
And in another boost for the club, former Coronation Street actor Reece Dinsdale pledged his support for the initiative led by the Huddersfield Town Supporters Association (HTSA) and Cowshed Loyal.
Writing on Facebook, the 58-year-old said: "I’m a firm advocate of the Stand Up For Town initiative.
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"Fans stand at the games anyway. Surely it would be better to allow this but with apparatus that makes it a safer environment and which enables them to enjoy their matchday experience even more."
In a survey conducted by the HTSA in April, 96% of fans voted in favour of rail-voting inside the ground, which provides supporters with safe standing.
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And while there is good news off the pitch for Huddersfield, their luck on the pitch is yet to change.
They lost 3-1 against Chelsea on Tuesday evening - their fourth consecutive defeat in the Premier League and seventh loss in their last nine games.
However they remain in an impressive position of 12th in the table, and face a tricky away tie against Watford on the weekend.
