AVIPOINT™, AN ABSEILER AND A STADIUM

Abseilers install AVIPOINT™ P20 at Halton Stadium, Widnes UK.

The Stadium
Halton Stadium is the home of Rugby League side Widnes Vikings and was opened in 1997. It has an all-seater capacity of 14,500.

The Problem
In preparation for the televised semi-final of the Rugby League Challenge Cup in 2004, the stadium needed to be fully proofed against pigeons. Pigeons were perching, roosting and nesting in areas above the seats in the stands. The stand provided suitable shelter and warmth for the pigeons. In addition, the grass seed on the pitch and the fast food being sold at the stadium provided the pigeons with a ready food source.

Reasons for Control
Naturally it was unpleasant to sit below when the birds were fouling, but it also created a Health and Safety risk should people slip on the droppings. The seats and surrounding areas needed to be cleaned on a regular basis which proved costly for the stadium. Whilst the birds remained, the image of the stadium and the enjoyment people had when attending was being negatively affected. Halton Stadium had an added problem: due to the shape of the stand, it was inaccessible by a hoist.

The Solution
Russell Finney Industrial Abseiling Services, installed 800 metres of Avipoint P20 throughout the stadium. The spikes were installed on the ledges of the stands using a combination of Avisil adhesive and cable ties. The stackable spikes allowed Russell Finney's team to carry a substantial amount of spikes at one time, and the easy gluing was a huge advantage when dangling from a rope. Russell's team had only a week to proof the Halton Stadium before the big game, but he had completely installed Avipoint within only two days.

The case study was provided courtesy of Russell Finney Industrial Abseiling Services, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1925 790 931. Photography ©Copyright 2003 - 2005 - Russell Finney Industrial Abseiling Services.