HOME Park's Mayflower terracing is no more.

We have been told by the Government that we must close the standing area in front of the main grandstand.

The closure comes despite strong representations to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport that the terracing should remain open.

Regulations insist that all Championship clubs must be all-seater, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

We were given three years' grace after winning promotion to the Championship in 2003-04, but that has now disappeared.

The Argyle Board issued the following statement in light of the decision:

"Argyle can confirm that their application to the Government for special dispensation to keep the Mayflower Terrace open has been unsuccessful.

"The club is bitterly disappointed with the decision of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport as it felt it presented an excellent initial case for the terracing to remain open, and willingly provided the department with additional information when requested.

"Secretary of State Tessa Jowell pointed out that, even without the terracing, we would still have had sufficient seating to accommodate more than our average home gate. This, ultimately, appears to have been a persuasive influence on their decision.

"However, we know that supporters who have stood on the terracing for many seasons will also be saddened by the Government's conclusion that it should be shut.

"The Argyle board will meet imminently to discuss the decision, and a further statement will be issued in due course.

"Until such time, no-one at the club will be making any statement on, or be talking about, this issue."