The Club's new stadium has received a full Safety Certificate. This will allow up to 9,875 spectators to be admitted - the number of seats (and wheelchair spaces) currently fitted in the ground.

"Commenting on this development, Chief Executive Steve Wellbeloved, who has led the work, said: "Crossing the final hurdles has involved a great deal of work and a huge paperchase, so naturally we are absolutely delighted to have achieved the full capacity.

"As well as being a major milestone for the stadium, it will also now free up staff time to address other important issues and to examine some of the excellent suggestions coming from supporters about how we can make our new home even better.

"Our difficulties with some at the Borough Council have been very well publicised in recent weeks, so I think it is important that we thank those at the County Council and in Building Control and the emergency services who have worked very hard with us in recent days to get the process completed.

"We had recently agreed a new schedule, but when we drew a premiership side at home in the Carling Cup we immediately asked if this could be re-visited and County Council officials went to great lengths to respond - while, of course, having to stick rigidly to the overall procedures because of the overriding importance of safety.

This is an excellent example of the Club and County Council working together and so shouldn't pass without note."