COUNCIL workers are helping to swell the crowd at Colchester United matches after bosses signed up to the U’s Target 10,000 initiative.

Club chiefs have embarked on a huge promotional drive – backed by the Gazette – to attract sell-out crowds to home matches by offering discounted tickets for selected games to schools, businesses and other organisations.

Colchester Council, which played a key role in building the Weston Homes Community Stadium, is the latest organisation to back the scheme.

Chief executive Adrian Pritchard said: “I am delighted residents, businesses and council staff are continuing to support our local team.

“It is important particularly in these times that the club offers affordable ticket prices.

“The award-winning stadium is a fantastic venue and, of course, the atmosphere is wonderful, and I hope that fans continue to show their support.”

Midweek fixtures are the main focus of the U’s efforts to get the whole town rooting for the team, with attendances generally lower than at Saturday matches.

Dozens of workers took up the opportunity to watch the game against Gillingham, on Tuesday August 18, game at a reduced cost.

The stadium was just under half full for the Gillingham match, even with the council workers in attendance, while 8,810 people passed through the gates for the visit of fallen giants Leeds United last Saturday.

The U’s say many more organisations are in line to join the initiative in the coming weeks and a number of primary schools and sports clubs are already on board.

Chief executive Steve Bradshaw said: ”We are proud that we can offer affordable ticket prices for every pocket and look forward to welcoming more people from around the town to games in the future.”