The controversial 'bubble match' restrictions that have been placed upon Chester FC and Wrexham fixtures since 2013 will continue again this for this National League season.
Following joint planning meetings in relation to the cross-border derby fixtures for the coming season, all parties, including both clubs, Cheshire Police and North Wales Police have agreed that in the continued interests of safety, both games will remain all ticket, with supporters travelling to the matches on officially organised coaches.
The decision will come as a blow to some fans who had voiced their dissatisfaction with the restrictions as well as North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones who had backed calls to burst the bubble, now in its fourth season.
A North Wales Police statement read: "During the last three seasons, with these conditions in place we have continued to see a decline in the number of people arrested at the fixtures and there has been a noticeable absence of any disorder or disruption to the communities outside of the two stadiums.
"Two well contested and incident free fixtures will see these arrangements reviewed and will further support consideration of a move towards 3pm kick offs and independent travel.
"However, incidents of disorder or damage to either stadium will not be tolerated and will give grounds for concern that the games cannot take place without continued safe transport arrangements.
"It must be stressed that all parties are committed to working towards returning these fixtures to ‘normality’ with standard kick off times and independent travel.
"The driving factors behind the implementation of these conditions remain to reduce the potential for disorder, ensuring the safety of fans, residents and visitors to Wrexham and Chester town/city centers and minimal disruption to local communities and businesses."
The next scheduled meeting of the two sides will be at the Racecourse on September 24 (12.15pm) for a game scheduled to be shown live on BT Sport.
"I acknowledge that both forces have taken my views on this fixture into account and have set out a process whereby it can be normalised," said North Wales PCC Mr Jones.
“That is dependent on the behaviour of both sets of supporters and I would urge fans of both Wrexham and Chester City to be on their best behaviour and ensure that the rivalry remains good-natured.
“That is the best way to guarantee that matches between the two clubs can take place with 3pm kick-off times and independent travel to and from games and that will in turn ensure that as many supporters as possible can enjoy the special atmosphere that local derbies create.”
