SAINTS will aim to complete the external cladding around their new stadium’s stands after taking a “practical decision” to alter its original design.

The issue of whether the perimeter wall of the stadium would be completely covered has become a hot topic among some supporters, who have followed the construction process intently.

A planning application has been submitted to St Helens Council that would change the designs to the North, West and East stands so concourses are covered “as much as is technically possible”.

Chairman Eamonn McManus, who announced last week a financial package had been agreed to complete the fit-out of the main stand’s interior and put the finishing touches to the stadium, said “We will be completing the external cladding process during January.

“A story has been created out of nothing here. The reality is the original roof design was supposed to be of a floating halo.

"In terms of a design it was quite dramatic but we took the view as a club, in terms of practicality and protection against the elements in particular, we probably needed cladding around the entire stadium.

“Aesthetically the original design was better but there are practical and business considerations.”

The planning application suggests it has become increasingly apparent to the club that an uncovered concourse would expose supporters to poor weather.

A design statement read: “To try and alleviate this, the club wishes to enclose the concourse as much as is technically possible.

"As the structure has not been designed to take the loads from full height cladding the proposals are for a perforated system.”