FC Halifax Town may have to find alternative venue for home games with Shay Stadium facing three-month closure

The council announced in a statement this afternoon (Wednesday) that it is to close a large number of its public leisure and culture venues for at least 12 weeks in response to new national advice on limiting social contact to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The measures will come into place from Friday at 5pm. They will be reviewed regularly.

A statement read: "From 5pm on Friday 20 March 2020, all Council-run sports and leisure centres and museums, the Victoria Theatre and the Shay Stadium will close for 12 weeks initially, but this will be reviewed as the situation develops."

Cllr Tim Swift, leader of Calderdale Council, said: "We continue to rigorously follow national advice in our response to COVID-19.

"Due to the further social distancing measures announced by Government on Monday 16 March, including avoiding public buildings such as theatres and restaurants, we have decided to close our key public venues until further notice to help reduce the spread of the virus."

"The development comes following Monday's news that the National League has suspended all fixtures until April 3 at the earlier, with the Football Association having advised all grassroots football in England to be postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Halifax, who pay monthly rent to play at The Shay, will be out of action until at least early April, but should football resume over the next three months, the club may have to look at alternative arrangements for home matches if the venue remains closed.