The Problem with the ground at Ealing

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No 7 wrote: This Aerial shot shows the problem with Ealing Trailfinders access. Bottom right is Vallis way the currently only open access to the ground. All the arriving and leaving the ground is through this gate.  The houses in Vallis way are most semi detached and are valued around £1.125 to £1.350. Having a 10,000 crowd visiting  ( all opposition supporters ..........obviously  not Ealing before anyone says it ) would be over subscribed to choking point. A 5,000 crowd could be possible but other routes in would have to open. Someone suggested we....Ealing should know our place and be resolved to Championship Rugby. I think the matter is out of our hands and I personally would be upset but would accept and enjoy staying in the Championship.

No 7 wrote: Castlebar Station is a small shunt line that comes from the Greenford station  ( central Line ) there is a pedestrian bridge across the railway line . I have only ever seen one or two people use it.

As an away supporter I've used the Castle Bar entrance twice over the years but  usually go the Vallis Way route from Scotch Common.

I suspect this the the nub of the issue, without extra access routes the council won’t approve planning permission for a 10k stadium and hence the impasse with the RFU. 

Ealing used to open a gate on the Castlebar Park side, which I greatly miss as it saves me a 10 minute walk (only a minute walk from the station). That route also gives convenient access from a 500 car car park at Gurnell Leisure Center via a public footpath that is a 5-10 minute walk. Vallis Way is less than a mile walk from West Ealing station on the Elizabeth Line, and the branch line to Castlebar Park is going to run more frequently with battery shuttle trains in the future. In short, much better access than Twickers, the Stoop, or Saracen's ground. Lack of statement from the club still disgraceful and insulting to the fans.

Edited by gerg_861 - 24 Feb 2023 at 22:11

corporalcarrot wrote: Rothman2 wrote: The only problem with the stand is that it is facing the pitch. �£ï¿½£ but they have loads of room to stretch out mate. The big new stand at Vallis Way reminded me of the big empty stand at Headingley but lacked the drums and a tiny number of fans with yellow hats. Clubs should only build these things when they have the crowds to fill them - not before.

Were there any problems when Ealing played Sarries in the playoff at Vallis Way? I assume a local derby would have been a reasonable test.

gerg_861 wrote: corporalcarrot wrote: Were there any problems when Ealing played Sarries in the playoff at Vallis Way? I assume a local derby would have been a reasonable test. The ground was limited to half capacity due to Covid, bit there were no issues for the cup final vs. Irish that had c.4k.

Thanks mate. I've been to VW about a score of times over the years including the home league match against London Irish pre-covid which kicked off about 7pm (Jersey played Cov that day & I came a tad late) and I've never experienced a problem. Ealing should hold the line on this one.

On a similar point is Castle Park is the same position regarding access?