WORK has begun on reinforcing the roof of Langtree Park in preparation for cladding being installed on open sections of the stadium, Saints announced today.

It follows the completion of detailed structural and design testing works on the roof and the outer perimeter zone of the 18,000 capacity stadium.

The work will pave the way for the club to cover open sections of the stadium, with a detailed timetable to be announced in May.

Cladding will be installed through the season – although Saints insist it will be tailored to ensure no disruption on match days.

The cladding issue is something which has become a thorny issue among some supporters.

A lack of protection has often led to the stadium concourses becoming soaked through rainfall and left supporters exposed to harsh weather.

There has also been growing frustration from fans about a perceived lack of information from Saints officials about how the club planned on tackling the problem.

However, in a statement issued this afternoon Saints explained: “The original expected timetable was delayed due to the necessary structural engineering study and solution being far more complex and demanding than originally envisaged and advised upon.

“Due to stringent legal and contractual constraints, it has not been possible to issue any meaningful public announcement on the matter prior to this stage.

“The club thanks the fans for their patience and forbearance.

“The cladding and structural support works are now out to tender and a detailed timetable of project works will be announced in May.

“It will be necessary to conduct the cladding works during this season but the project will be tailored to ensure no disruption on match days.”

The club added that it has a financing package in place to meet the estimated costs of the works.