Colchester United chief executive Marie Partner today ruled out the possibility of allowing any space for standing at the town's new Community Stadium.

The House of Commons heard calls for terraces to return at football grounds on Wednesday, nearly two decades after they were banned following the Hillsborough disaster and subsequent Taylor Report.

The government has come under pressure to reconsider all-seater stadiums and the Football Supporters' Federation has campaigned for standing areas to be allowed following persistent standing by fans at Premier League games.

Colchester's current stadium, Layer Road, holds space for more than 4,000 standing spectators. However, Partner believes standing at football grounds can be dangerous and can cause administrative problems.

And she said there are no plans for terraces at the brand new 10,000 capacity Cuckoo Farm.

She told the Gazette: "Our preference is to make the Community Stadium all-seater - the plan is to have seats all round.

"It's a Community Stadium and we want to make it comfortable for everyone.

"We've tried to leave a bigger gap between the seating rows so that people are more comfortable and not crammed in."

Having stood on terraces like the Barside for many years, some Colchester supporters might initially find it difficult to watch their team sitting down.

But while Partner acknowledged that terracing can enhance atmosphere at football grounds, she feels it is time to move on.

"Everyone has got used to standing at Layer Road," she said.

"It became a novelty last year for visiting fans and it makes for a great atmosphere.

"But it's very important with the move that we set the standard as a Championship club."

Many Premier League clubs have been forced to deal with persistent standing since terracing was out-lawed.

But Partner is hopeful that U's fans will respect the regulations enforced at the Community Stadium.

She added: "Under the Taylor Report, you have to put health and safety at grounds first.

"There are regulations in place for persistent standing in grounds and we have to lead by example."