Details of how Carlisle United have been planning for the return of fans to Brunton Park have been revealed.

The Blues have been preparing for a minimum capacity of about 3,500 when supporters can come back to the ground.

When that will be is now unclear after a test event for fans in the Football League - due to be staged in Carlisle's away game at Cambridge today - was shelved after the tightening of Covid-19 restrictions.

But the details reported in supporters' group minutes at United give an indication of what a safe return of supporters to Carlisle's stadium may look like.

The meeting was held before the Government announced new measures aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

The minutes, published yesterday, say: "No fixed stadium capacity has been set. The onus is on the club to comply with safety guidelines. Minimum capacity would be circa 3,500. Season tickets sold to date: 1,700+. The club expect to learn from the first round of games played with fans."

United said their first home league game against Southend next weekend had "the potential to be a test game with fans admitted."

This may no longer be the case after Cambridge scrapped today's planned test event. Confirmation of future pilot events has yet to be given.

United had planned their first home game with fans without "test" status to be the visit of Barrow on October 3.

Carlisle have been contacting season-ticket holders to start arranging payments on this basis.

United also gave an update on the wearing of masks in the ground.

They said face coverings "may not be mandatory at all times inside the stadium but will be required when entering or exiting. A final decision will be taken as late as possible and based on circumstances at the time".

This followed a question from a supporter representative following a picture in the News & Star which showed directors not wearing masks at the recent EFL Trophy game against Fleetwood.

Chief executiev Nigel Clibbens "agreed the club needed to set an example when it came to following the guidelines."

United said it would require "co-operation from supporters" if any were contacted in a test and trace procedure. Data, including names and addresses, would come from fans buying tickets and would be taken from all people attending games.

On the use of turnstiles, Carlisle added that as many will be operated as possible, although "some may not be usable due to social distancing considerations/risk to operators.

"Fans will have to be patient getting in. All fans will be asked to get to the ground earlier, if possible. Smooth entry to the ground will have a positive impact on capacity. Late arrivals and break down of social distancing may lead to a reduction."

United said they were considering a ticket-only system for their bars due to a reduced capacity. Bars would be unlikely to be open at half-time. "Social bubbles will apply in the Sunset [Suite] and other bars. Six to a table maximum."

The club added that Pioneer Stand catering areas would be closed due to ‘pinch points’. A concession outlet was likely to be in operation outside.

"Fans need to recognise if they increase the risk elsewhere it could affect ground capacity. Fans will be discouraged from moving about during the game or at half-time," the club added.