GRAVESEND must find £80,000 before their covered Northfleet terrace at Stonebridge Road can be re-opened.

Stunned club officials are coming to terms with the findings of a safety report which ordered closure of the terrace, forcing a reduction in the ground’s capacity from 4,200 to 3,300.

The decision was taken following a regular ground inspection by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, which reported severe deterioration in the condition of the concrete steps.

This followed a visit for the FA Trophy tie against Histon on February 5 when safety concerns were first expressed.

In order to comply with the ground’s safety certificate, the club were left with no alternative but to close the terrace until further notice. Only three sides of the ground were open for Saturday’s home game against Tamworth.

Chairman Brian Kilcullen, who did not dispute the cost of work, said it was imperative the club were informed as soon as possible regarding the extent of the work.

He said: "If we’re talking about re-surfacing the entire area with crush barriers then we’ll need to talk to the Football Foundation quickly about a grant because these things take time and a lot of money.

"There is also a possibility that we may be able to open part of the area. Though we’ve lost part of the capacity, this will not impact on attendances because there is still plenty of room in the ground."

Club secretary Roly Edwards admitted the decision had come as a surprise.

"The inspection was made by a man from Maidstone and his findings came as a bolt out of the blue. We knew that work needed doing but we never thought the terrace would be closed so suddenly.

"Though we are able to accommodate everyone wanting to come to home games, having that end of the ground will impact on the atmosphere inside the ground, which is unfortunate."