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      We live in the shadow of Crystal Palace FC’s stadium… we have to move cars every match day & only get a day’s notice

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      A RESIDENT living in the shadows of one of the most sacred football stadiums has shared her agonising parking experience, saying it is “really hard on match days”. For the past eight years, Caroline has been living opposite the towering main stand of Crystal Palace FC’s stadium, and the inconvenience she faces on match days is incomparable.
      A resident of Holmesdale Road has shared her painful parking experience during match days in Crystal Palace FC’s stadiumCredit: Harrison Galliven/LDRS
      Locals say they have to remove their cars on very short notice to accommodate large crowdsCredit: Harrison Galliven/LDRS
      Selhurst Park Stadium is the home ground for Crystal Palace FCCredit: Rex
      She says the street where she lives – Holmesdale Road – sees the most footfall on match days with thousands of fans lining up on the road to get in and out of the ground.
      And to make things smooth, Croydon Council requires residents at the top of the road to move their cars for the duration of the matches – or face a parking ticket.
      But this has turned out to become a huge nightmare for the residents of the street.
      Caroline says it gets really difficult to park on match days – and she even gets parking tickets on top of it.
      crystal palace fc news
      After removing her car from the busy street on a match day, she says she has to find a new spot to park her car – and it gets really inconvenient.
      And what is usually a 15-minute routine apparently becomes a two-hour nightmare.
      Caroline told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “It’s really hard to park on match days. I get annoyed that I get parking tickets.
      “They tell us there’s a game coming up with two days’ notice.
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      “Six months ago I got a ticket once despite asking if it was okay to leave the car there for half an hour, and they said it was fine.
      “But I got a ticket for £65. the council said they wouldn’t help me.
      “They washed their hands of it.”
      Another resident of the area, Osama, said: “They make you move the cars, and around the corner, you used to be able to park on both sides.
      “For some reason, they have just stopped that. Now it’s only on certain parts of the road and if you park in the wrong area you get a ticket, which I think is just silly.”
      Most of the residents living on the street complain about the short notices that are given to them before they need to remove their cars – and it is generally just a day before a big match.
      Crystal Palace recently announced a long-awaited development of the main stand is set, with works likely to begin next year.
      The expansion will see the stadium’s capacity increase from 26,000 to 34,000.
      This will further increase the problems of overcrowding in the area, especially on Holmesdale Road.
      A spokesperson from Crystal Palace told MyLondon: “The Club consulted local residents extensively on its proposals for the Main Stand with more than 400 people coming to view the plans and hundreds more engaging through the website, fan forums and on social media.
      “More than 85 per cent of the local community supported the principle of the redevelopment of the stand, which will bring enormous economic benefits to the surrounding area, and the Club is committed to an ongoing dialogue with residents about all aspects of the project.”
      Read more on The Sun
      While residents have been really annoyed because of the consequences of such big crowds entering and exiting the arena, most of them have a positive outlook on the stadium – and unsurprisingly support Crystal FC.
      The Sun has approached Selhurst Park Stadium for a comment on the matter.
      Crystal Palace recently announced a long-awaited development that will increase the stadium’s capacity from 26,000 to 34,000Credit: Harrison Galliven/LDRS More

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      Pep Guardiola cops second parking ticket in matter of weeks as Man City boss leaves car on yellow lines for THREE HOURS

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has been on the receiving end of another parking ticket.The Man City boss needs to sort out his parking skills as he left his car on double yellow lines for THREE HOURS on Sunday.
      Pep Guardiola got a second parking ticket in a matter of weeksCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The City boss left his car to visit his restaurant and do some shoppingCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      When he returned he had been slapped with a £60 fineCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Guardiola seemed unfazed by the ticketCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Guardiola was in Manchester city centre when he left his car on the double yellows to head into his restaurant, Tast Catala.
      But after popping into his secondary business venture he must’ve forgotten where he has parked his car as he went to the shops and left it put.
      Nearly three hours later and the City gaffer was greeted with a £60 fine stuck to the window of his electric Nissan 4×4.
      It’s not the first time he’s been snapped getting a parking penalty either.
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      Pep was slapped with another fine back in August after once again leaving his car parked on double yellows.
      The 52-year-old prompted a hilarious interaction with the traffic warden that day when he joked that he would have to pay for a picture.
      This weekend’s ticket is only adding insult to injury for the Man City manager after his team were knocked off the top of the Premier League table.
      A 1-1 draw with Liverpool saw the Cityzens drop two valuable points before Arsenal snatched at the opportunity to head to the top of the league.
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      The Gunners left it late to beat Brentford 1-0 to return to the summit of England’s top flight for the first time since last season’s collapse.
      City will now have to turn their attention to the Champions League as they prepare to host RB Leipzig at the Etihad on Tuesday night.
      Guardiola drove off after he had returned to find his latest ticketCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The Man City manager has already had a bad weekend with his side losing their spot at the top of the Premier League tableCredit: Reuters More

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      We live by Wrexham’s stadium – but we’re trapped in our homes and overrun with tourists after ‘Hollywood’ takeover

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      LOCALS living by Wrexham’s stadium say they are trapped in their homes and overrun with tourists since the club’s “Hollywood” takeover.Wrexham AFC, one of the oldest clubs in the world, was unexpectedly bought by film stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
      Residents living opposite Wrexham AFC’s ground say parking is a ‘nightmare’Credit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures
      The club has been taken over by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds (pictured) and Rob McElhenneyCredit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures
      Pat and Frank Harry are lifelong fans of the Red DragonsCredit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures
      The Welsh side stormed to National League title glory in their second season under the Hollywood duo’s leadership and are now playing in League Two.
      Locals can’t get enough of the Red Dragons’ newfound success – but say there are still downsides to it.
      Jeremy Kent, 37, said: “It’s got busier for sure. But it’s great what the owners have done for the club and the town.
      “We even get lots of tourists. The only downside is the roads are closed around match days so you have to watch not to get caught out.
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      “Some fans were worried it was going to a flash in the pan, but I don’t think these owners will up and leave.”
      The town is due to get even busier with plans for a new 5,500 seat Kop stand at the Stok Racecourse ground.
      Dad-of-two Richard Hughes, 57, said: “It’s a bit of a nightmare on match days with the traffic and parking.
      “You become a prisoner in your own home.
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      “But some fans park where they shouldn’t and block you drives or take your parking spot.
      “I’ve seen one fight over parking. There was a lot of shouting and pushing and shouting and a few punches thrown.
      “It was crazy.”
      Lifelong fan Frank Harry, 84, said: “I love living close to the ground and the club is in a great position.
      “It’s very exciting. There is a problem with the traffic, mind.
      “I have seen people rowing over parking spots on match days with some fans parking right by people’s houses where they shouldn’t.
      “But I love it here. I go home and away.”
      His wife Pat, 84, said: “Frank loves the club – he even brought me to a game just after we have got engaged.
      “It is noisy when they score but exciting.”
      Sam Rosser, 35, said: “I think it’s brilliant living near the football club.
      “It’s a great atmosphere and very exciting with all the fans and especially with the American owners.
      “We’ve even started getting foreign tourists taking pictures of the club.”
      His mum Juliet, 60, said: “It’s great living so close.
      “People do complain that some fans park by their drives and in front of their houses.
      “And many don’t like the fact that they are trapped at home on match days.
      “But I don’t have a car, so I don’t mind.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Wrexham AFC has been contacted for comment.
      Ryan Reynolds is making house prices soar in Wrexham after spending millions on its team’s football success.
      Juliet Rosser and her son Sam love living next to the clubCredit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures
      Jeremy Kent says road closures on match days are the ‘only downside’Credit: Andrew Price / View Finder Pictures More

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      Jack Grealish gets parking ticket as he and girlfriend Sasha enjoy dinner date at Sexy Fish wearing matching outfits

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      JACK GREALISH and girlfriend Sasha Attwood wore matching outfits for a date night at Sexy Fish – only to be hit with a parking ticket.Manchester City’s England star has struggled for regular action this term under Pep Guardiola. 
      Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood enjoyed a date night on ThursdayCredit: Splash
      They wore matching red outfits as they ate out at the trendy Sexy Fish restaurantCredit: Splash
      The pair were joined by another couple for a double date in DeansgateCredit: Splash
      They had a nasty surprise waiting for them after parking on double yellow linesCredit: Splash
      But the 28-year-old attacker still has plenty to smile about following last season’s Treble success.
      Fresh from helping the Three Lions secure their place at Euro 2024 with a 3-1 win over Italy earlier this month, he then started for City in their 3-1 Champions League win at Young Boys on Wednesday.
      Just 24 hours after that Grealish and his beautiful Wag Sasha, who regularly give their ever-growing Instagram following a glimpse into their relationship and private life, decided to hit the town for a date night.
      The pair were spotted out with pals at Manchester’s trendy Sexy Fish seafood restaurant in Deansgate.
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      Despite him now being a true blue at the Etihad, both the ex-Aston Villa ace and the model were colour coordinated in red for the occasion.
      Grealish wore an £800 Gallery Dept red sweatshirt, which he paired with jeans and trainers, while Sasha donned a pair of red trousers that were accompanied with a cropped white strappy top.
      Sasha drove the group to the restaurant in her Range Rover and arrived around 10pm.
      However, around 1am they had a nasty surprise waiting for them on their return to the motor, which was parked on double yellow lines, after they were hit with a parking ticket.
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      Sasha, who had a red jacket on for her exit, handed over driving duties to Grealish as they left the restaurant.
      Grealish managed to avoid a similar fine just two months ago when he was confronted by three traffic wardens.
      That was after he had parked his £220,000 Lamborghini on double yellows for an evening out at The Ivy.
      The Range Rover they arrived in was left parked on double yellow linesCredit: Splash
      Grealish wore an £800 Gallery Dept red sweatshirt while Sasha had red trousers onCredit: Splash
      The Man City star was on driving duty following the mealCredit: Splash
      But as he got back to their expensive motor he spotted the nasty surpriseCredit: Splash
      They arrived back at their Range Rover to see the ticket on their windscreenCredit: Splash
      Grealish collected the ticket and climbed into the driving seatCredit: Splash More

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      We live by a stadium – we can’t use our gardens on matchdays and have to buy litter pickers to clean streets ourselves

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      FUMING residents who live next to a major stadium have complained that they can’t use their gardens on matchdays and have to buy litter pickers to clean streets themselves.Disgruntled locals living near to Coventry’s 40,000 capacity CBS Arena have said that living next to a venue used for football and concerts can be challenging.
      Residents living near Coventry Football Club have complained about a number of problemsCredit: Roland Leon
      Locals said matchdays and concerts were particularly problematicCredit: Roland Leon
      Dave Evans, 57, said he even had to buy a litter picker to sort the mess out himselfCredit: Roland Leon
      Homeowners claim they are battling thoughtless parking, piles of rubbish, late night horn honking and street brawls.  
      Truck driver Dave Evans, 57, who lives on Hen Lane within a couple of kicks of the Arena, said he’d bought himself a litter picker off Amazon because he just couldn’t stand the mess.
      He said: “Honestly, it really does affect your life and not in a good way.
      “I had to turn my front garden into parking because on match days I couldn’t park anywhere near to my house.  
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      “And the litter is something else. The Council have two little bins between our house and the stadium and they are overflowing very quickly.  
      “The joke is that the Council are quick to empty an empty bin but after events you might not see them for two weeks. I ended up buying a litter picker off Amazon and doing it myself. ”
      Dave continued: “We leave our own bins open and push them to the front when there’s a match or a concert in the hope that people will use them. It can be a pain.
      “The concerts are a lot worse than the matches. People are milling around from 9am and they end much later.”
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      Tracy Greenhill, 56, who lives with severe osteoporosis, is on the same street and said visitors were “oblivious” to locals’ pain.
      She said: “Before any match, thousands of them walk down this road and they are in their own zone, totally oblivious to the fact people actually live here.
      “I have tried to walk my dog up the road to the shops and found myself being pushed against garden walls because none of them step aside.  
      “And you get a lot of goading of opposition fans which always involves obscene language. It is not something you want kids hearing.
      ” I have had people parking in my disabled bay and get away with it because there is not proper enforcement.”
      Since its opening in 2005, the Coventry Building Society Arena (CBS), which includes a hotel, shopping centre, exhibition hall and casino, has had a mixed existence.  
      Built as a replacement home ground for Coventry City, a rental dispute in 2013 led to the club having a succession of temporary homes and Wasps Rugby Club moving in.  
      Now, both clubs use it as their home venue and the concerts have never stopped.  
      There are two little bins between the houses and stadiums which overflow quickly. I bought a litter picker off Amazon and did it myself.”Dave Evans, 57
      And those off for a good time can often be at their most thoughtless, especially when time is running out and they haven’t booked a parking spot.  
      Aman Mundian, 32, a father of two who works in retail, said: “It can be a problem if you need to get somewhere and there’s a match on or concert because there is traffic everywhere.
      “I have had people park right in front of the house, blocking us in, and pointing at a tiny piece of curb as though that gives them the right to park there. Some people just don’t think.”
      Clare Jones, 56, who has lived in the area all her life bemoaned how it had taken away the open space.
      She said: “I must say I don’t see so many traffic wardens down here as I used to. It seems the Council take what they can and give back as little as possible.”
      However, some residents enjoy being a short walk from their local team’s ground.
      And they occasionally get to hear some of music’s biggest names for free.
      John Jinks, 72, a Coventry City season ticket holder, said: “This is the perfect place to live.
      “A 10 minute walk to the ground . I absolutely love it.”
      Steve, 57, a former hotel manager, said: “I like living here because you get free music. You don’t even have to sit outside, the noise travels in.
      “I never imagined sitting at home hearing a Springsteen concert live but now I have.”
      And Kramchand Luchman, 63, said: “The only downside for me is the extreme traffic that comes to the area and as far as I know there are no restrictions on this particular Glaisdale Avenue.
      “But I like to see people enjoying themselves. I feel happy for them. They are having a drink, enjoying themselves, watching football, listening to music, and that is the culture of this country. It is great to see it happening outside your door.”
      Caretaker Daniel Sabin, 43, added: “It is what it is. If you live near a football ground, get your shopping done early on a Saturday and either go to the game or stay in your house.
      “For me, the concerts are much worse than the matches – more mess by far.”
      David Green, 40, said he rented out the two parking spaces outside his semi-detached home for £15 a-time.  
      ‘NIGHTMARE’
      Sam Bowen, 35, said: “I was ticketed twice parked outside my own house. I didn’t know about having to phone up and register your car with them.  
      “In general I think it has boosted the area and I do like to hear the crowd roar for a goal or open the door and listen to the concerts.”
      But a 49-year-old a mother-of one who can remember the days before the stadium arrived, strongly disagrees.  
      “It has turned this quiet road into a nightmare. When they built it, orange dust covered everything and no-one took any notice and that was a sign of things to come.
      “The concerts are ridiculous for the noise and mess. When Harry Styles was here I saw girls fighting on the streets and Bon Jovi were a nightmare too with loads of bikers turning up.
      “But the football fighting is the worst. It can be savage. I’ve seen grown men out with their children punching one another on the nose.  
      Read More on The Sun
      “I have been here 20 years and there is no policing. You don’t see a warden and we who live here are just forgotten about.”
      Coventry City F.C and Coventry Council have been contacted for comment.
      Clare Jones said that the space had been taken away and bemoaned the lack of wardensCredit: Roland Leon
      Many living near the 40,000 capacity stadium have slammed the noiseCredit: Roland Leon
      Amen Mundian said parking and traffic can be a problemCredit: Roland Leon
      John Jinks 72 is a Coventry season ticket holder and loves living nearbyCredit: Roland Leon
      Kramchand Luchman said he enjoyed the atmosphere and the only problem is trafficCredit: Roland Leon More

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      I live next to a world famous stadium… people love it but there’s a big reason why I don’t

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      A HOMEOWNER living next to a world-famous football stadium has explained why match days are a nightmare.David Atkinson said that crowds coming to cheer on the Premier League team that calls the ground home cause disruption in the local area.
      David Atkinson says matchday at the nearby Premier League stadium are a nightmare for residentsCredit: NCJ MEDIA
      David lives in the shadow of Newcastle’s home ground St James’ ParkCredit: NCJ MEDIA
      David, who has lived next to Newcastle’s ground St James’ Park for over 60 years, cited parking chaos as one of the major issues with fans.
      He told Chronicle Live: “The biggest problem in my opinion is the parking, which is insane on match days, with cars pulling up and parking wherever they want, blocking drives and everything.
      “The parking thing is difficult as it is impossible to police all of it but I think that something has to be done to improve the situation for residents, as there is growing frustration.”
      He did, however, admit that his tolerance for match day crowds wasn’t helped by the fact that he has never been a football fan.
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      He also added that, much to his relief, the “hooliganism and violence” that plagued crowds years ago has since died out.
      It seems that David is in the minority, though, with fellow residents more than happy to sacrifice consistent parking for their local team.
      Fellow resident Kate Gee said: “I only just moved in here back in August but I haven’t seen any negatives of living next to the stadium yet.
      “It has been amazing so far, there is such a buzz and a positive atmosphere here, especially on match days, and it really is something special.
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      “All the away fans just add to the atmosphere as well and we have had no bother or anything since moving in so I couldn’t be happier really.”
      And it was a good night for the magpies on Wednesday, when they thrashed 2020 Champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 in their first home game of this year’s tournament.
      The result comes as part of a stunning revival of the side’s fortunes since they were acquired by a consortium led by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund in 2021.
      Since then they have finished 11th in the league in 2022 and 4th in 2023, securing a spot in the prestigious European competition for the first time in 20 years.
      The cash injection has also allowed them to redevelop their home stadium, with St James’ Park set to become the second biggest ground in the Prem.
      It comes as footie stars Robbie Keane and Rory Delap have been forced to flee Israel after an incursion into the country by Hamas terrorists.
      Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively revealed that Spurs are closing in on star Norwich goalkeeper Dylan Thompson after the wonderkid rejected a new deal with the Canaries.
      He cited parking chaos as the key problem caused by away fansCredit: NCJ MEDIA
      Other locals say they love the atmosphere, especially after their team beat PSG 4-1 on WednesdayCredit: NCJ MEDIA More

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      We live by a Premier League stadium… matchdays are awful with horror parking & black market criminals lurking everywhere

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      PEOPLE living by a Premier League stadium said matchdays are awful with horror parking and black market criminals everywhere. Fed-up neighbours said they are battling daily with chaotic traffic and people parking on their streets.
      Aston Villa’s ground on matchdays has provoked a flood of complaintsCredit: LDRS/BPM
      Residents said they are struggling with traffic chaos and illegal parkingCredit: LDRS/BPM
      Loud crowds pack the streets around Aston Villa FC’s Villa Park stadium in Birmingham on matchday.
      Thousands of Villans flock to the 42,640 capacity stadium plonking their vehicles on public streets at the rear of Aston railway station.
      But locals in the residential area by the stadium including Queens Road, Church Lane, Gladstone Street and Grosvenor Road are living a parking hell.
      Frustrated residents in the neighbourhood around the stadium said they are facing daily battles with chaotic traffic and illegal parking.
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      Although fans parking illegally are now being slapped with a £50 fine – locals say it’s not enough.
      Unashamed opportunists are now taking advantage of the high parking demand and have created a black market selling spots at ridiculous prices.
      They have even set up barriers charging matchgoers £5 to park on public land illegally.
      According to locals, The Salvation Army’s car park barrier was recently smashed and used as match day parking ahead of the game against Crystal Palace.
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      Councillor and fellow Villa fan Lee Marsham said the behaviour is unacceptable and selfish to residents and fans.
      He told Birmingham Live: “Home games are becoming like the Wild West with criminal activity, a black market and inconsiderate parking which impacts residents and fans.
      “I’m pleased that my calls for more parking enforcement have been heard as I’ve seen cars being ticketed but it’s not enough.”
      Earlier this month, Mayor Andy Street and the club promised to redevelop the area surrounding the stadium to a more spacious one with enough transportation links for supporters.
      He promised they were drawing up an action plan to develop the “overcrowded” Witton station into one that’s “suitable and spacious”.
      Despite the vow, supporters continue to battle against the terrible traffic in and around Villa Park grounds pre and post-match.
      Meanwhile, angry locals said to have to wait hours to board packed trains during evenings at Witton and Aston stations.
      Mr Marsham claimed the plans aren’t enough to tackle illegal parking and slammed the mayor for “inaction”.
      He added: “Public transport isn’t good enough, and Andy Street has failed to act with only a study on upgrading Witton Station with no guarantee of funding and no dedicated match buses like at Edgbaston.”
      The councillor has now called the club to implement more car parking spaces to stop the unsustainable situation.
      He fumed: “The Mayor needs to do more, he’s had six years of inaction.”
      But the Mr Street said to continue working on the transformation of the area.
      The Mayor said: “We’re working on how best to redevelop the station by undertaking a feasibility study that will give us a clear indication of the funding required and the options ahead of us.
      “This is just the first step as we will then need to put together a strong business case and find the money to make this happen but nonetheless it does bring us a step closer to delivering a premier railway station.”
      It comes as the club plans to splash £100million on a new stadium – but residents slammed organisers should spend the money cleaning up their streets.
      Many locals litter and road closures are also causing havoc on match days.
      One neighbour Aysha Kamal, 18, said: “Every game brings with it a lot of broken glass and food packaging and it’s just left.  
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      “We have a little park next to our house but it’s always full of cans and bottles and the bins are overflowing days after the game.”
      Aston Villa FC has been approached for comment.
      Aston Villa bosses plan to splash millions to redevelop the Villa Park stadiumCredit: AP More

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      Former England international footballer Ashley Cole banned from the road and fined £3k over string of driving offences

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      FORMER England international footballer Ashley Cole has been banned from the road and fined £3,000 over a string of driving offences.The star pleaded guilty to two speeding charges and one count of failing to provide information about a driver.
      He pleaded guilty to three driving offencesCredit: Getty
      A judge at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court fined Cole £3,340 and banned him from driving for six months.
      Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Cole was not present at court, with his guilty pleas entered through his lawyers.
      District Judge Timothy Bosworth said “bearing in mind his means” it was fitting that Cole paid the maximum fine of £1,000 for each offence.
      Cole had faced two other charges of failing to provide information about a driver – but they were dismissed after the prosecution formally offered no evidence.
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      Prosecutor Vincent Yip said that on March 11 last year Cole drove his Mercedes at 40mph down Leeds Street in Liverpool, which has a 30mph speed limit.
      On January 11 this year he drove a different Mercedes at 41mph down Garston Way, which has the same limit.
      Cole also failed to respond to a notice asking who was driving speeding car registered to him which went past a camera on December 11 last year.
      The judge said that Cole, currently the assistant manager of the England under-21 side, already had three points on his licence – with the new offences “totting up” more than 12 points.
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      DJ Bosworth said: “As Mr Cole’s lawyers indicate, he is well aware of this – and does not seek to put forward any reasons why he should not be disqualified and being disqualified in absence.”
      He added that there was no requirement for Cole to attend proceedings – and that “no criticism attaches to him not being here today”. More