West Auckland hike up Darlington prices

[RalphC]

Ebac Northern League First Division club West Auckland Town has been accused of taking advantage of a well-supported rival after doubling ticket prices for a forthcoming game. West Auckland has increased admission from GBP5 to GBP10 for its game against Darlington 1883 on 10 November.

 

Darlington chairman Denis Pinnegar said he was "surprised and disappointed" at the rise. He added that the increase was not discussed in advance with the club or, he believed, the League. "I understand the extra cost of hosting a potential of 1000 additional fans but the added income from the gate and food-and-drink outlets would have been very significant at their

normal GBP5 per head," he said. "Darlington have a strong and loyal fan-base who support the club in the league home and away and it looks as if they are being taken advantage of."

 

Darlington is playing in the Northern League this season after being demoted five Divisions by the FA. The club averages crowds of more than 1000 for home and away games. But West Auckland secretary Allen Bayles rejected the claim his club was taking advantage of the Quakers. He said the increase was needed to pay for up to 25 extra stewards for the game against Darlington.

 

He added: "We've been advised to get quite a few stewards because of the large crowd and that will have to be passed down. If we have to have police on duty in the ground then we'll have to pay for them as well."

 

Northern League chairman Mike Amos said he believed it was the first time a club had increased ticket prices for a game against Darlington. He added: "I was made aware of this issue this morning and I have emailed West asking for their views. There's nothing in the rules preventing West Auckland charging as much or as little as they want."

 

However, Amos said it might be "less invidious" if West Auckland were to charge GBP8 - the cost of an adult ticket for a Quakers home game. "I would hope even now that for the sake of harmony, West might decide to charge GBP8 instead," he added.

 

From The Northern Echo