The Len Weston Stand At Edgar Street

The Len Weston Stand is one of the earliest examples of a cantilever stand in the United Kingdom that still exists. It is 350 feet long and 15 feet wide. The width being dictated by the size of the pitch and the perimeter of the ground. The need for a new stand had begun five years earlier. In 1968 a new ring road was built along Edgar Street. The road widened thus creating the need for a slimline stand to replace ‘The Ark’ which had been inherited from Luctonians Rugby Club.

Planning for the new stand began in 1970 as part of United’s campaign for football league status. Local building contractor Harry Vaughan took on the project in full knowledge that the club had not yet raised the money to pay for the work. Herefordshire firm ‘Building Services’ were responsible for the sheeting and cladding and the grandstand structure was supplied and erected by ‘Concrete (Midlands) Limited’ of Lichfield. It comprised a precast concrete column and beam frame, supporting precast concrete stepped terracing units. These units supported successive steps with an interlocking action. Fixings were cast into the step units to which seats were later attached.

The entire precast concrete structure was manufactured in Lichfield and erected on Edgar Street in 3 ½ weeks. A large mobile crane was erected from the roadway in Edgar Street. In order to pay for the works ‘The Grandstand Fund Committee’ was established following the clubs election to the football league. By 1974 £20,000 of the required £31,000 had been raised.

The stand was named In honour of club stalwart and benefactor Len Weston who had contributed his time, skills and money to the club during the 1950s and 60s. The 1,200 capacity stand opened on 6 January 1973 when the Bulls beat Bradford City courtesy of a Kenny Wallace goal.

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