HEREFORD United have still failed to be granted a safety certificate for their Edgar Street ground - four days before the start of the season.

Club bosses met with Herefordshire Council this afternoon in a bid to get clearance to allow spectators to watch United's home matches.

Yesterday, Hereford United's new chairman Andy Lonsdale told the Hereford Times the club had done 'all they could' to satisfy criteria for a new safety certificate for the stadium.

And United have cancelled a home friendly against Herefordshire minnows Sinkums, scheduled for tomorrow night, due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.

Today, the council was not satisfied that all the safety requirements have been met, and has adjourned the meeting until Thursday, just 48 hours before the club is due to entertain St Neots Town at Edgar Street.

"Unfortunately, the council, police and fire service are not satisfied that all of the necessary statutory requirements have been met or that all of the relevant paperwork is in place," said Mike Pigrem, head of trading standards and licensing.

"However, we are working closely with the club's newly appointed safety consultants as well as club representatives, in order to try and resolve the outstanding issues."

  • The club postponed their pre-season photo-call with the local media which had been scheduled to take place at Edgar Street at 3pm today.  The photo-call was arranged last week but was cancelled two hours before it was due to take place. Chairman Andy Lonsdale said some of United's players were not at the club and they would not make it to the ground in time for a team photograph.