SUGGESTIONS by Sports Minister Kate Hoey that terracing could return to Premiership football grounds have received a warm welcome in the North-East.

However, the minister's views have been denounced by families of victims killed in the Hillsborough disaster 11 years ago and dismissed by her boss, Culture and Sports Secretary Chris Smith, the police and football chiefs.

Eddie Calland, press officer for the Chester-le-Street branch of the Sunderland Supporters' Association, said: "I think it would be good to bring back the terraces because of the atmosphere.

"It would remind us of the good old days at Roker Park when people stood on the terraces and there was plenty of banter.

"The atmosphere at Sunderland has been excellent, but if there was a standing section it would be even better.

"People who want to sing and jump about can do so and people who want to sit can sit wherever they want."

Steve Wraith, Newcastle United Fans liaison officer, said all-seater stadiums had changed the atmosphere at football matches.

He said a major consideration before terracing was brought back would be the cost to clubs of converting stadiums to accommodate standing sections.

Mr Wraith said: "It is an idea worth looking and I am behind it. As a supporter I would like to see the return of terracing in some capacity."

But the Hillsborough Family Support Group, set up in the aftermath of Britain's worst footballing tragedy when 96 fans were crushed to death at the Sheffield ground, said the timing of her "insensitive" comments would make Christmas even harder to bear.

Ms Hoey was plunged into controversy after telling the BBC1 Weekend Watchdog programme that she would consider the reintroduction of safely designed standing areas in Premier League grounds.

She remained insistent that there could be no return to the huge terraces of the past, banned after Hillsborough.

Mr Smith said the Government remained committed to all-seater stadiums because they were safer.

Police Superintendents' Association vice-president Kevin Morris said safety must come first.

Shadow sports minister John Greenway, MP for Ryedale in North Yorkshire, said the episode confirmed the Culture Department was a shambles