Wimbledon chief hits back in dispute over fans’ safety

Judith Hackitt of the HSE issued an open letter criticising Wimbledon’s decision to switch off its giant screen on Murray Mount in case fans slipped and injured themselves on the sodden slope.

She mocked its officials, writing “people have been walking up and down wet grassy slopes for years without catastrophic consequences”.

She added the statutory body could not let Monday night’s decision “pass unchallenged”.

South-west London was left drenched yesterday and play was cancelled for several hours but Murray Mount remained open and the screen – showing Centre Court proceedings – was left on in an apparent climbdown.

But Ian Ritchie, chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, insisted the plug could be pulled again and replied with his own open letter.

In it, he said he was staggered, amazed and flabbergasted by Mrs Hackitt’s actions.

“How does she know? She wasn’t here on Monday night.

“We had a full team of police and safety officers looking at the situation.

“If somebody feels unhappy about it, they could pick up the phone. We had no advance notification of it and there was no attempt to discuss it.”

He added: “I was absolutely staggered that the chair of the HSE would second-guess what we are doing.

“It doesn’t matter what the legislation or act is, we have an absolute duty to act for the safety of the people in the ground.

“For her to second-guess with no knowledge whatsoever is extremely surprising.

“I am flabbergasted that somebody who is looking after health and safety thinks this isn’t a problem. I showed her letter to our safety officers and we were amazed by it.”

In his letter, issued to journalists at the 125th championships, Mr Ritchie accused the HSE chairman of being concerned with the media while his concern was “the safe running of one of the major sporting events in the world”.

But fan Keith Hobson, 57, of Aberdeen, said it would be “bloody bonkers” if Wimbledon did not change its policy.

“Health and safety use is completely over the top. I am really pleased to hear the HSE has spoken out, it’s common sense at last and common sense should prevail.”

Honor Allon, 60, of Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, also urged Wimbledon bosses to back down.

“People are sensible enough to behave properly and there are plenty of stewards around.”