A new multi-million pound train station at League One side Coventry City's Ricoh Arena "will be closed at peak times to sports fans and concert goers on match and event days amid health and safety fears," according to Lexi Finnigan of the London TELEGRAPH. The station at the Arena -- also home to Wasps Rugby Club -- is part of a £13.6M ($19.4M) investment "to improve rail services in the area." Council officials said that a shortage of trains means that "it will be closed after matches and on major event days unless extra services are chartered." The station "will be closed until an hour after the final whistle on match days due to health and safety regulations agreed by train company London Midland and Arena operators." John McNicholas, lead member for transport at Coventry City Council, said, "Although the station at the Ricoh won't be open directly after match or on major event days until Wasps, Coventry City Football Club or events sponsors charter trains, the new service will still provide lots of advantages for local people."
Arena owners Wasps said it understood the "frustration" felt by supporters and is hoping to trial an increased service at a match between Wasps and Harlequins on Feb. 28 (TELEGRAPH, 1/23).
