RESIDENTS living in the shadow of a top UK stadium say that they love being close to the action – but a major issue needs to change.
The area around Wembley Stadium is home to a 70-store shopping centre, a Boxpark and a building site for 5,000 apartments.
More than £2.5billion is being pumped into the area under the famous 133-metre arch.
But residents say parking remains a massive problem in the area – even when there isn’t a Three Lions game or Harry Styles concert on.
Enrique, 37, told MyLondon: “All of the roads are closed on event days too – so if you drive you can’t even get out of the car park.
“I don’t have any access by car to my building and I have to wait until they remove all of the security barriers. It’s pretty inconvenient.”
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Ridvan, 39, said: “I have to park mine a 15-minute walk away. That’s the downside.
“They have an underground parking lot but it’s only for bikes as it’s a green area, but I need my car.”
Georgie 33, who lives on Wembley Park Boulevard on the approach to the stadium, was more enthusiastic about the area.
She said: “I really love it. You’ve probably seen all the feathers everywhere!
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“That’s the Harry Styles fans, everyone wears feather boas and cowboy hats.
“We get to see the fireworks and hear some of the music.
“There’s not really any downsides – just that none of my friends live around here.”
A Brent Council spokesman said surrounding developments were “car free” to “help ease traffic congestion”.
They added: “Residents living in car-free properties are not eligible to apply for on-street parking permits and this is agreed to before moving in.
“Wembley Park has fantastic transport connections and we are supporting residents to embrace other sustainable travel options, such as walking and cycling.”
A spokesman for local developer Quintain said: “The National Stadium is a public transport destination.
“The nature of events at the venue means that some parking restrictions and road closures are crucial to ensure the safety of our residents and the public.
“Quintain are not in control of these restrictions – but we notify our residents of them when they move in, ahead of event days, through signage, resident apps and notices on electronic screens in reception.”
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It comes after residents living inside a major football ground say they can watch games from their attics – but life in the stadium has a downside.
Locals near a huge Premier League ground say that parking is a nightmare and that fans keep damaging their cars – but cops won’t help.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
