BLUES fans will not be able to take up their usual spot on the Harry McNally Terrace after the council closed the ‘home end’ on safety grounds.
Capacity in the Vaughan (East), Liversage (West) and South stands have also been reduced by Cheshire West and Chester Regulatory Services.
The authority – responsible for spectator safety at sports grounds – took the decision after an inspection at the Deva Stadium revealed potential faults with crush barriers and a number of other issues affecting spectators’ safety.
Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member, area and community, said: “Sadly it has been necessary to take this action in the interests of spectator safety. No spectators will be permitted to enter the North stand until the necessary inspection, tests and potential repairs have been completed.
“We will be working closely with the club in an attempt to ensure that the work required is carried out as soon as possible, with a view to increasing capacity in the future.”
The measures will apply for Chester’s home game against Barrow on Monday unless “prior remedial action” is taken by the club.
The capacity in the Vaughan Stand has been reduced from 2,022 to 1,064, from 1,190 to 627 in the Liversage Stand, and from 750 to 395 in the South Stand.
