People living a stone's throw away from The Forest Recreation Ground have provided a snapshot of the 'nightmare' parking situation they face during Goose Fair. Residents of Noel Street, Bentinck Road and Maples Street, between Hyson Green and Forest Fields, say parking spaces are being taken by 'selfish' visitors to the popular annual event which has returned after a three-year absence due to the pandemic.
The city council said a traffic regulation order was in place every year for the fair which gives the authority the power to enforce parking restrictions on streets in the area. Dozens of fines have already been issued since the fair returned on Friday (September 30).
Residents like Neil Kirkpatrick, who is 54 and lives nearby, described the situation on the nearby residential streets. He said: "It's been a nightmare. It's like a flashback to when we used to have it before the coronavirus stuff kicked off.
Read more: All the rides at Goose Fair 2022 - including new white knuckle experience
"You've got your parking spaces, and it's not just me that's being affected, and they're being stolen by some selfish people. I was fuming to be honest. I don't mind that they have the fair there but I think people just need to be more responsible when they go. You see litter around there constantly too it's infuriating."
City council community protection officers have already issued 27 fines on Bentinck Road and five on the nearby Mount Hooton Street. They also have authority to issue fines for littering.
Sam Crawley, 47, who lives in Bentinck Road, said: "I don't drive but I think it is a concern for a lot of people living around here. Parking spaces are being used by people who don't even live around here.
"It's not on. I guess it's the kind of thing that happens at fairs everywhere because there are just so many people coming, you're bound to get some of them playing up. They should be a bit more thoughtful, though.
"Litter is also an issue but not so much on this road, usually it's quite bad closer to the recreation ground. I go along to it though and I love having it nearby. It's just one of those things where a small amount of people can spoil it for others living nearby."
For the first time in its history, Goose Fair is taking place over 10 days this year. The colourful, spectacular event has brought rides, games and all our favourite funfair food and drink. Exciting new white knuckle rides for 2022 include Void and and UK's newest loop fighter Red Devil.
A resident, who lives in Maples Street and asked not to be named, added: "Obviously we've not had commotion like this in the area since the pandemic. It's nice to have the fair so close to home - I've lived here for over 20 years and I always go. There a lot more cars of course but again it's nice to have an attraction here. It doesn't bother me but I can see why people might be starting to get annoyed."
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