COLCHESTER United has no intention of introducing standing areas at home matches, despite politicians calling for a change in the law.

The Liberal Democrats, ahead of next year’s general election, have pledged support for “safe standing’’ at matches.

But the U’s believe the cost of converting parts of the Weston Homes Community Stadium would be too high to justify changes.

Safe standing areas would see the installation of rail seats at grounds, which could be locked into an upright position to allow standing.

Colchester’s Liberal Democrat MP, Sir Bob Russell, said: “I feel the atmosphere is different at all-seater stadiums and at Layer Road I preferred standing on the terraces to sitting.

“It would be better to have areas so those who want to sit can sit, and those who want to stand can stand.

“I would welcome the option, but I am not sure the stadium in its current configuration would allow it.”

The stadium has a capacity of 10,105, but the average attendance last season was only 3,735.

A club spokesman said introduction of standing areas was unlikely, unless further expansion took place to fill in the corners of the stadium.

Standing is currently banned in the top two divisions of English football, and legal restrictions require newly-built stadia in all divisions to be all-seater.