A Rochdale AFC fans group says it has ‘great concerns’ over proposals for new parking restrictions around the club’s home ground. People living in the Spotland area have received a leaflet setting out a potential residents’ parking zone covering the streets surrounding the Crown Oil Arena.
The council says it has seen an increase in the number of complaints about inconsiderate parking and wants to gauge opinion about the possibility of a residents’ permit scheme. However, Dale Trust - a fans group which works closely with the clubs - is worried about the impact it could have on the club, who were relegated from the Football League last season, ending a proud 102-year stay.
“We have great concerns regarding the parking restrictions that have been proposed around the Crown Oil Arena specifically around the times of Rochdale AFC matches,” trust chair Colin Cavanah told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
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“Whilst the team plays approximately 25 home games per season, there are other local organisations that bring parking issues seemingly ignored. As someone who lives in the affected area, we see these issues five days a week all year around, so why single out the football club?”
Mr Cavanah, also a Spotland resident, questioned why the council was considering such measures ‘at a time where we have seen councils in Bury and Oldham actively reach out to support their professional football clubs’.
“This introduction will either prevent people attending matches or will simply move any perceived parking issues into other areas within the Spotland ward,” he said. "We have already had elderly members report back to us that they will be unable to attend matches should these restrictions be brought in and they are forced to park further away.”
Coun Shah Wazir, cabinet member for highways at Rochdale council, says the consultation was launched after concerns were raised by local residents and ward councillors about inconsiderate parking.
“At this stage, we’re gauging the opinion of both residents and local stakeholders, and the response to this consultation will inform any next steps,” he said in a statement.
“We want all interested parties to share their views on these proposals and would encourage them to get in touch with us. People can do this by emailing: highways@rochdale.gov.uk and entering ‘Spotland Area Residents Parking Zone’ in the subject box. Alternatively, they can call us on: 0300 303 8879.
The consultation is open until midnight on Friday, June 30.
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