‘Hive of activity’ at Franklin’s Gardens as steelwork is nearly completed

A spokesman for Northampton Saints said the past week had been “a hive of activity”.

“Steelwork is now up for the entire width of the pitch, with the wraparound into the Church’s Stand now under way,” he said.

“Meanwhile the concrete base for the seating deck is beginning to arrive and be put in place, starting from the corner closest to the Saints Ticket Office.

“Elsewhere in the main stadium work has now begun on the installation of some 4G artificial surfacing that will run on both sides of the main grass pitch between the touchline and the running tracks in front of the Tetley’s and Church’s stands,” the spokesman added.

“This surface will eliminate the wear and tear on the parts of the pitch which have traditionally become the most worn due to heavy use during the course of the season from the likes of assistant referees, ball boys, medical staff and television personnel,” the spokesman for the Saints said.