The Hawthorns receiving new anti-terror defences in £1.5m plan
Albion are spending £1.5million on changes to the areas outside The Hawthorns – including new gates on Halfords Lane.
The work is being carried out in order to improve security of the ground following recommendations from West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.
As well as three new permanent gates situated on Halfords Lane – at the top, the bottom, and in the entrance to Greggs bakery – a number of bollards will also be erected around the ground.
The gates will be capable of shutting on match-days, but will be left open otherwise.
Work is due to begin in September, and will take several months to complete.
Operations Director Mark Miles said: “We need to point out that this work represents a sensible precaution and in no way reflects any specific or even non-specific threat to our stadium.
"This is all about the club adopting best practice.
“We have been working with WMCTU for a number of years and have already adopted a number of recommended measures to ensure our supporters safety, such as greater scrutiny at entry and exit points.
“These works are part of our ongoing commitment to prioritise the safety and security of our supporters.”
The purpose of the work is to protect supporters in the vicinity of the stadium in the unlikely event of a terrorist attack or traffic collision.
Matt Ward, Head of the counter-terrorism unit said: “We have had regular meetings with clubs in our area to consider the options available based on each club’s needs and circumstances.
“This is part of the ongoing work we do with many industries that operate in crowded places - not because there is any specific threat to football supporters.
“West Bromwich Albion has been proactive in its investment to improve physical security measures and raising awareness of the threat among staff and spectators at The Hawthorns."
The Baggies have also removed one of the rows in the East Stand of The Hawthorns to make space for more advertising hoardings.
Row AAA, which was added in 2011, is being removed. Fifteen season ticket holders have been relocated to the row directly behind, which will be the new front row.
