Exeter St James Park - station, facilities, improvements, events and incidents - merged posts

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the Plymouth Herald:

The staggered sale of tickets for Argyle's away game against Devon rivals Exeter City on Saturday, April 30 (12 noon) has started.

They will be available only to season ticket holders, and priority will initially be given to fans who can prove they have attended away games this term.

The schedule is as follows:

UNTIL THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY: One ticket per season ticket holder who has stubs from eight previous away games during 2010/11.

FROM 9AM TOMORROW: One ticket per season ticket holder who has stubs from four previous away games during 2010/11 and has not already purchased during the earlier sales period.

FROM MONDAY, APRIL 18: One ticket per season ticket holder who has not already purchased during the earlier period. No stubs are required.

There is limited availability for seating tickets and they will be sold to families, the elderly and disabled only.

The cost is ^25 for adults, ^19 for over-60s and NUS students and ^8 for under-18s.

Standing tickets are priced at ^21 for adults, ^16 for over-60s and NUS students and ^7 for under-18s.

Ambulant disabled tickets are available in either area for a relevant age-related price with carer, if required.

Contact the Argyle box office (telephone 0845 338 7232) for further information.

Meanwhile, Argyle supporters are being advised not to drive to the game against Exeter. Instead, they are being urged to travel either on the 400-seater First Great Western train which is being specially laid on, or on an official supporters' coach.

The match clashes with the Exeter Festival, meaning there will be no parking available in the city and that traffic will be extremely busy. This has led to the travel advice from Devon and Cornwall Police.

Coach and rail passengers will also be escorted to the ground by police, ensuring that supporters will arrive at St James' Park safely and well in time for kick-off.

The Travel Club coaches will leave Home Park at 9.30am.

The fare for members is ^9.50 for adults and ^6.25 for under-16s. Non-members must pay an extra ^3.

The special train departs Plymouth at 9.42m and will arrive at Exeter St Davids at 10.37am.

The return train departs Exeter St Davids at 3.11pm and will arrive back in Plymouth at 4.08pm.

Tickets are available from Plymouth railway station or online.

[6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01]

.... why st davids when there is a station rite outside???, now it will cost more to police

[The Tall Controller]

I would like to see a HST^▸ (High Speed Train) trying to stop at St James Park station. 

[vacman]

I would like to see a HST^▸ (High Speed Train) trying to stop at St James Park station. 

its been done once already!

[6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01]

thats what selective door opening is for

[Branch Line Connor]

Move the train along one carriage at a time..

[6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01]

People can walk you know, how you you think it happened back in the day with class 50's and mk 1's?

[Branch Line Connor]

Got my tickets today  Should be fun to see how many Exeter fans are waiting outside St Davids at 10.30am 

[6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01]

Got my tickets today  Should be fun to see how many Exeter fans are waiting outside St Davids at 10.30am 

there ain't any lol

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the Plymouth Herald:

Plymouth Argyle fans snap up tickets for crunch Exeter trip

Argyle have sold their entire ticket allocation for Saturday's League One fixture with Exeter City at St James' Park (12noon).

The Pilgrims were allotted around 1,200 away tickets for the Devon derby fixture and the last ticket was sold at 5pm yesterday.

As it is a lunchtime kick-off and with Exeter hosting their own festival in the city at the same time as the football match, Devon and Cornwall police have warned that there will be little or no parking available to visitors.

However, there is a 400-seat football special leaving Plymouth railway station for Exeter St David's on Saturday morning and there are also coaches which will head up the A38 from Home Park.

Fans using either of the above services will be escorted to and from St James' Park.

The First Great Western special leaves Plymouth at 9.42am and is due to arrive in Exeter at 10.37am, while the coaches will leave the park and ride car park at 9.30am.

For information on availability on the train, supporters should contact First Great Western at the railway station.

[JayMac]

The first quoted news article said tickets were available online. Can't see either the out or return footex in any booking engine.....

.....meanwhile a press release from Devon and Cornwall Police:

Police and football clubs ready for end of season local derby

Police in partnership with Exeter City Football Club started planning for this Saturday^s league match between Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle around the start of the season.
 
This match has been identified as a category C+IR (increased risk) match ^ the highest rating for a policed football match.

Chief Inspector Peter Coppin-Harris for Devon and Cornwall Police said, "We know the vast majority of those coming to the game are genuine supporters who come to watch an exciting local derby. I want everybody to have an enjoyable day in Exeter, whether local to the Exeter area or visiting from Plymouth and elsewhere. I^d also like to reassure supporters that while there will be a police presence, we^re there to assist Exeter City stage a great game of football."

This Saturday will see one of the largest policed matches for some time, which will include mounted police from South Wales Police.

Chief Inspector Coppin-Harris said, "I^d like to encourage supporters to arrive at the ground earlier than usual as there^s likely to be delays due to ticket checks.  If you don^t have a ticket, then please don^t come to the ground and away fans will not be allowed to remain in the home areas of the ground. We support the clubs in encouraging Plymouth Argyle supporters coming to the match to use the official supporters coach or the specially laid on First Great Western train, leaving Plymouth at 9.42am."

The police will use the same teams of officers who were used for the earlier league match at Home Park in Plymouth back in December 2010. The police have been working closely with the club for a number of weeks to ensure supporters can enjoy the match safely.

Exeter City chief executive Julian Tagg believes supporters can play their part in making sure Saturday^s game is safe and enjoyable for all supporters.

^As a club we have worked with the police and Plymouth Argyle in recent weeks. We want a safe game in a safe environment and our fans can help make this possible by co-operating with requests from stewards and police before, during and after the match. Whether that^s making sure you sit in your ticketed seat, accepting requests to be searched or sitting down when asked to by a steward.^

Devon and Cornwall Police are keen for visitors to the city have an enjoyable day.

Chief Inspector Coppin-Harris said, ^We know the vast majority of fans are coming to watch a match and see their team beat their local rival ^ there^s nothing wrong with rivalry and passion. If there^s a minority that are intent on disruption then this will not be tolerated, they^ll be dealt with quickly and firmly and those caught face a lengthy football banning order.^

Argyle stadium manager and safety officer Dave Boobyer said, ^The vast majority of supporters are looking forward to an enjoyable day and it is important that we do everything we can to allow this to happen. Plymouth Argyle urges genuine supporters of both sides to only go to St James Park if they have tickets and enjoy the spectacle of this local derby.^

It will be a busy and exciting weekend for Exeter and the city, the clubs and police are keen to stress that it will be business as usual for the city.

Exeter city centre manager, John Harvey said, ^Saturday 30th April will see a celebration of two of my greatest passions in Exeter ^ football and food. I^m looking forward to many visitors coming to the city to enjoy a great atmosphere before, during and after the local derby game and at the fabulous Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink. The match between Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle will be contested with zeal and verve and for visitors to the city for whom football isn^t such a passion the Food Festival will offer something for the whole family. It promises to be a vibrant day in the city and I look forward to our many visitors getting a warm welcome. Should there however be any individuals who wish to use the local derby game as an excuse to behave badly and take part in unacceptable antisocial behaviour it^s important that those individuals realise that policing will be robust, with zero-tolerance for antisocial and drink-related disorder.^

I wonder if Chief Inspector Coppin-Harris added the '-Harris' to his name on becoming a copper? 

[LiskeardRich]

The first quoted news article said tickets were available online. Can't see either the out or return footex in any booking engine.....

.....meanwhile a press release from Devon and Cornwall Police:

Police and football clubs ready for end of season local derby

Police in partnership with Exeter City Football Club started planning for this Saturday^s league match between Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle around the start of the season.
 
This match has been identified as a category C+IR (increased risk) match ^ the highest rating for a policed football match.

Chief Inspector Peter Coppin-Harris for Devon and Cornwall Police said, "We know the vast majority of those coming to the game are genuine supporters who come to watch an exciting local derby. I want everybody to have an enjoyable day in Exeter, whether local to the Exeter area or visiting from Plymouth and elsewhere. I^d also like to reassure supporters that while there will be a police presence, we^re there to assist Exeter City stage a great game of football."

This Saturday will see one of the largest policed matches for some time, which will include mounted police from South Wales Police.

Chief Inspector Coppin-Harris said, "I^d like to encourage supporters to arrive at the ground earlier than usual as there^s likely to be delays due to ticket checks.  If you don^t have a ticket, then please don^t come to the ground and away fans will not be allowed to remain in the home areas of the ground. We support the clubs in encouraging Plymouth Argyle supporters coming to the match to use the official supporters coach or the specially laid on First Great Western train, leaving Plymouth at 9.42am."

The police will use the same teams of officers who were used for the earlier league match at Home Park in Plymouth back in December 2010. The police have been working closely with the club for a number of weeks to ensure supporters can enjoy the match safely.

Exeter City chief executive Julian Tagg believes supporters can play their part in making sure Saturday^s game is safe and enjoyable for all supporters.

^As a club we have worked with the police and Plymouth Argyle in recent weeks. We want a safe game in a safe environment and our fans can help make this possible by co-operating with requests from stewards and police before, during and after the match. Whether that^s making sure you sit in your ticketed seat, accepting requests to be searched or sitting down when asked to by a steward.^

Devon and Cornwall Police are keen for visitors to the city have an enjoyable day.

Chief Inspector Coppin-Harris said, ^We know the vast majority of fans are coming to watch a match and see their team beat their local rival ^ there^s nothing wrong with rivalry and passion. If there^s a minority that are intent on disruption then this will not be tolerated, they^ll be dealt with quickly and firmly and those caught face a lengthy football banning order.^

Argyle stadium manager and safety officer Dave Boobyer said, ^The vast majority of supporters are looking forward to an enjoyable day and it is important that we do everything we can to allow this to happen. Plymouth Argyle urges genuine supporters of both sides to only go to St James Park if they have tickets and enjoy the spectacle of this local derby.^

It will be a busy and exciting weekend for Exeter and the city, the clubs and police are keen to stress that it will be business as usual for the city.

Exeter city centre manager, John Harvey said, ^Saturday 30th April will see a celebration of two of my greatest passions in Exeter ^ football and food. I^m looking forward to many visitors coming to the city to enjoy a great atmosphere before, during and after the local derby game and at the fabulous Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink. The match between Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle will be contested with zeal and verve and for visitors to the city for whom football isn^t such a passion the Food Festival will offer something for the whole family. It promises to be a vibrant day in the city and I look forward to our many visitors getting a warm welcome. Should there however be any individuals who wish to use the local derby game as an excuse to behave badly and take part in unacceptable antisocial behaviour it^s important that those individuals realise that policing will be robust, with zero-tolerance for antisocial and drink-related disorder.^

I wonder if Chief Inspector Coppin-Harris added the '-Harris' to his name on becoming a copper? 

i must say police academy films are amongst my facourites even though i believe them
 to be older than me!!!

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the Exeter Express and Echo:

Exeter residents join together to clean up St James Park station


Pictures by First Great Western

Volunteers from a variety of organisations and from as far afield as London gathered to tidy up St James Park station in Exeter over the weekend.

The tidy up was organised by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, the Avocet^▸ (Branch line from Exeter to Exmouth) Line Rail Users Group and First Great Western. Over 25 residents from the local area around the station, students from Exeter and Plymouth Universities and volunteers from Exeter City FC^‡(resolve) worked together to make the station a nicer place to catch the train.

Volunteers spent the day cutting back brambles and ivy as well as installing some new planters on the station where herbs and spring bulbs will be planted. Poppy seeds were also be scattered in commemoration of the First World War.

Mike Reddaway from the Avocet Line Rail Users Group said ^It is great that so many local people have volunteered their time to support this make-over day. We are hoping that they will remain involved and become station adopters of the future.^

Rebecca Catterall from the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership said ^Many stations throughout the country are adopted by local people, with volunteers keeping flower beds and tubs in good order to keep the station looking nice as well as being the eyes and ears of the station.^

Melanie Harvey, Station Manager for First Great Western said ^The communities we serve play such an important part in the railways, helping to provide an attractive and secure environment both at First Great Western^s stations and in the surrounding area. We would like to thank all the volunteers for the enthusiasm with which they embarked on this project, and the co-operation and willingness they have shown to improve Exeter St James Park Station.^

The Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership works to promote the seven rural branch lines in two counties and is a non-profit partnership between local authorities, including Devon County Council, Cornwall Council, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth University and the rail industry.

[PhilWakely]

[apologies for the click bait]
From DevonLive

St James Park station is FINALLY going to be extended
Match Day woes are over, as Exeter City and Exeter Chiefs fans will both be served

Platform two of St James Park railway station is set to finally to be extended.

The platform is approximately 37 metres long, which means it can be served by only one or two coach trains. Other train formations, such as a Class 158, must use selective door opening or single door opening at the front carriage for passengers to embark or disembark the train.

The short, Exmouth-bound platform, causes issues on matchdays, as trains no longer stop at the St James Park halt when an Exeter City game clashes with an Exeter Chiefs fixture.


St James Park train station has been serving football fans for many years

But councillors on the Devon and Exeter Rail Project Working Party on Friday afternoon were told that the Department for Transport had agreed and signed off on the extension to the platform.

Network Rail will be funding the work as part of the Devon Metro strategy, but Lewis Ward, Assistant Regional Development Manager for Great Western Railway, could only tell councillors that a date for construction work would be announced by Network Rail this year.

Mr Ward said: “St James Park station is a charming station but it has small platforms and it doesn’t match the user requirements. We have been making the case with Network Rail for a long time for this and we expecting to hear a construction date announced this year for the platform extension.

“The massive pressures have meant we have to suspend services at St James Park when the Chiefs and City play on the same day, but the platform extension means we will be able to revise this in the future.”

He added that passengers having to exit from a single door does have safety implications and is a performance issue for GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) as it is a single track of line.


St James Park Station (Image: Derek Harper)

Cllr Sue Aves, the ward councillor for St Sidwells & St James, told the committee that St James Park was a heavily used station with around 87,000 people using it each year, and it was great news that the work had been agreed.

She said: “This short platform affects trains all the way to London Waterloo and I am concerned about the safety aspects of single door opening if people had to get off in a hurry. This should also help on matchdays as it should stop people parking on the roads where residents live nearby, cut congestion heading into the city, and make it easier to get to the game.”

She added that she wanted to thank Exeter City fan Roger Hamilton-Kendall who had called on his fellow supporters to back a petition calling for platform two of St James Park railway station to be extended.

He had launched a petition calling for platform 2 to be extended, saying: “The volume of passengers at this popular halt has resulted in train services being suspended on certain days where the football and rugby club's respective fixtures clash. Supporters of both these clubs are now asked to board at Exeter Central to venture to their Sandy Park ground (Digby Station) and to alight at this same station and walk over a mile to the St James Park football stadium, or to their homes in the area.


St James Park station is often maintained by volunteers

“This has a negative impact on the local area and Exeter. This is a public transport service that is not providing a service. A station just yards away from a stadium that you are denied to travel too all because too many people want to use it! With sometimes one door for exit and entry for 100s of commuters it is now deemed a safety issue as well as time delaying on the rail network.

“If the platform 2 was extended then all doors of a two or four unit train could be utilised and the issue would be resolved for the good of everyone.”

Mike Reddaway, chairman of the Avocet^▸ (Branch line from Exeter to Exmouth) Line Rail Users Group, after the meeting said it was great news that the platform extension will go ahead. He said: “We have worked towards this for many years. It will be an improvement for passengers and for their safety, but will also improve the punctuality of trains along the line. This is big news for the station and good it is going to go ahead.”

No date for when the work will take place has yet been announced.

[johnneyw]

So once again, Exeter and the South Devon Metro lobby show others just how it should be done. Transwilts being the other exemplar, of course.