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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

    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

    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

    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

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    Dele Alli swipes parking ticket from his Lamborghini Urus after lunch with former Spurs teammate

    DELE Alli is all smiles as he swipes a parking ticket off his £260k Lambo.The Everton midfielder, 27, had been out for lunch with his former Tottenham team mate Sergio Reguilon.
    Sergio Reguilon grins as Dele Alli swiped a parking ticket off his carCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Dele asking his ex-Tottenham team mate to remove the ticketCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    The pair had been out for lunch in Manchester yesterday afternoonCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    And the pair were seen sharing a laugh when Reguilon, 26, refused to grab the £60 penalty notice off the windscreen – forcing Alli round to the passenger side to get it.
    The Prem star’s purple Lamborghini Urus 4×4 was left on double yellows for around two hours.
    The pair had been dining at the swanky 20 Stories restaurant in Manchester on Tuesday afternoon.
    On the pitch, neither of the players have made appearances yet this season.

    While Dele has been out with a muscular injury, Reguilon has just joined Manchester United on loan.
    Former England international Alli has so far failed to make an impact at Everton, after switching from Spurs in January 2022.
    But the star revealed in an emotional interview in July that he had even considered hanging up his boots.
    Dele also bravely opened up about how he was sexually abused as a six-year-old – and dealing drugs aged eight.
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    The attacking midfielder checked himself into rehab after excessively drinking and consuming sleeping pills following his nightmare loan spell with Besiktas.
    The football world has since thrown its support behind Alli who seemed happier when spotted out and about last month.
    On Everton’s season opener, a banner featured a picture of Dele celebrating for Everton between two club badges.
    The message said: “We are with you Dele. Together we are stronger.”
    Reguilon joined Spurs from Real Madrid in 2020 and made 52 appearances but spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid.
    But an injury crisis at Manchester United saw the Spanish star joining the Old Trafford on loan.
    United will be without Luke Shaw for an extended period of the season after he picked up a nasty muscular injury.
    And Reguilon’s arrival will give the Red Devils a boost as they add some much needed defensive reinforcements. More

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    Man City star Jack Grealish leaves new £200k Lamborghini on double-yellow line for 4 hours

    MAN City party boy Jack Grealish left his new £200,000 Lamborghini on double-yellow lines for four hours.The England star’s flash motor blocked the pavement while he and girlfriend Sasha Attwood went out for a fancy dinner.
    Jack Grealish left his new £200,000 Lamborghini on double-yellow lines for four hoursCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Grealish’s flash motor blocked the pavement while he and girlfriend Sasha Attwood went out for a fancy dinnerCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Three traffic wardens did nothing to move the car but issued a Penalty Charge NoticeCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Three traffic wardens were seen stood around the Performante Urus — customised in City’s sky blue — but seemingly did nothing to move on the car, which forced any passing wheelchair users into the road.
    A source at the scene near The Ivy in Manchester on Tuesday said: “It’s madness.
    “They checked out the car, then wandered off for ten minutes and when they came back, Jack was returning to his car.”
    Grealish and Sasha, both 27, drove off, heading to their £6million Cheshire mansion.
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    But the star, who earns in the region of £230,000 a week at Man City, has been blasted by disability campaigners for his selfish parking antics.
    Alison Kerry, of disability equality charity Scope, said: “When cars park on pavements, it makes life difficult for disabled people.
    “It can leave them with no choice but to go on to the road, which can be dangerous.
    “It’s important drivers are considerate when parking.”
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    Grealish splashed out on the new Lamborghini after helping City win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble last season.
    Celebrity car customiser Yianni Charalambous got the motor in shape for its new owner, and posted online at the time: “It’s going to look great on the training ground.”
    Grealish was seen driving it for the first time last week.
    After being contacted by The Sun yesterday, a council spokesman said: “We can confirm this motorist was issued a Penalty Charge Notice at 11.02pm on August 8.”
    Grealish’s representatives were also approached for comment.
    Grealish and Sasha drove off to their £6million Cheshire mansionCredit: Instagram More

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    Football fans are only just realising easy side hustle can earn them extra £15k & they don’t have to lift a finger

    FOOTBALL fans who live close to sports stadiums could be earning an extra £15,000 by simply renting out their driveways to supporters.Brits are raking in wads of cash by setting up a makeshift car park on their property during matches when spaces are full up.
    You could earn an extra £15,000 by renting your driveway to footie fansCredit: Getty
    Brits who live close to stadiums are raking in big bucksCredit: Alamy
    As many fans risk running late while searching for a place to leave their car, homeowners have come up with the perfect solution.
    Residents can score some extra money by listing their driveways on parking platforms for sports fans to rent.
    Sites such as YourParkingSpace allow drivers to find and reserve their perfect parking spot – making life a lot easier on match days.
    Locals who live near Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium have earned nearly £300,000 by renting out their driveway to footie fans.
    READ MORE ON SIDE HUSTLES
    Their earnings topped the parking league table, as residents pocketed a total of £280,751 since first listing their spare spots.
    One homeowner based near Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in North London has made nearly £15,000 after registering her space in 2017.
    Those living near local rivals Chelsea bagged £200,000 for letting people park on their driveways during matches at Stamford Bridge.
    Residents close to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have also enjoyed a nice earner and made £175,000.
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    Homeowners whose property is within reach of West Ham’s London Stadium were quids in too and scooped £170,000 with the rental scheme.
    Queen’s Park Rangers supporters have splashed the cash the most, shelling out more than £200,000 to get a spot close to Loftus Road.
    And locals who live on the doorstep of Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium earned £150,000 for their services.
    Brannan Coady, CEO of YourParkingSpace said renting your driveway is a prosperous way for Brits to earn some extra cash.
    He explained: “The Premier League is the greatest league in the world – fans come from across the globe to come see teams play.
    “And empty driveways near stadiums offer homeowners a great opportunity to score some extra money.
    “But it’s not just Premiership grounds – if you drop down into the Championship, earnings can be just as impressive, and sometimes better, than some teams in the Premiership.” More

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    We live by major stadium – we’re sickened by council ‘declaring war’ on fans… it’s turning our area into a ghost town

    RESIDENTS who live by a major stadium have said they are sickened by the council ‘declaring war’ on fans.Norfolk County Council have plans to introduce new parking restrictions in Trowse, South Norfolk.
    The council plan to introduce new parking restrictions in a village near Carrow RoadCredit: Getty
    The proposals include Hudson Avenue, Devon Way and Kirby Road (pictured)Credit: Google
    The proposals for Hudson Avenue, Devon Way and Kirby Road will limit parking before 9pm on weekdays.
    However Pablo Dimoglou and Angela Forster, who live in the village, say the plans will impact Norwich City fans and evening matches at Carrow Road.
    The pair also claim the restrictions will hit local businesses because fans of the Canaries use the two pubs and the River Green restaurant.
    “We were shocked the scheme seems to purposely discriminate against and disadvantage Norwich City fans with no regard to whether their parking causes a problem,” Pablo told the Eastern Daily Press.
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    Angela added: “We enjoy seeing the yellow-shirted brigade marching through Trowse, they are always so courteous and jolly.
    “They really add to the vibrancy of the village as people often park, then meet up for a beer or a meal.
    “Five years ago a previous group of parish councillors asked about this and now the county council is trying to do something based on that even though we don’t have a problem with it.”
    A county council spokeswoman said: “These plans have been proposed by and developed with the local community to tackle commuter and football parking issues in the village.
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    “A statutory consultation is currently under way and people are able to view the plans and make any objections or comments online.” More

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    We live next to a football ground – fans ruin our lives and matchdays are a total nightmare

    RESIDENTS next to a controversial football ground have claimed fans ruin their lives on nightmare matchdays.Neighbours of Rochdale AFC’s Crown Oil Arena have said it is “madness” that there are no parking restrictions in the streets surrounding the ground.
    Neighbours of Rochdale AFC’s Crown Oil Arena say a lack of parking restrictions causes ‘chaos’ on matchdaysCredit: Getty
    They say fans of the Greater Manchester club park across their driveways, block their cars in and take up all the spaces, leaving them in the lurch.
    Ken Harris, 71, told The Sun Online: “It can be a nightmare on matchday.
    “It’s not a small stadium and you can’t park outside most grounds in the country.
    “Something needs to be done.”
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    Rochdale Borough Council are currently considering bringing in parking restrictions amid complaints, which Ken said he is “glad” about.
    Fellow local Sharon Atkison, 33, added: “It’s chaos…The streets can be gridlocked as the fans park anywhere.
    “I’m sick of it.”
    The stadium is regularly attended by 3,000 fans for home games as they cheer on their boys in blue.
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    Flyers have now been sent out by the council asking whether residents’ permits should be required on matchday, all the time or not at all.
    However, not everyone is fully supportive.
    Lifelong ‘Dale fan Nick Abbott, 43, fumed: “Councils should be supporting clubs not trying to drive away fans.
    “We’re a small club. It’s not as if we’re Man United down the road with more than 70,000 fans turning up.
    “We have just a few thousand. The council should just back off and leave well alone.”
    Colin Cavanaugh, chair of the Dale Trust fan group, 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.”
    The club declined to comment.
    Councillor Shah Wazir, the cabinet member for highways at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We launched this consultation in the Spotland area 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.”
    Read more on The Sun
    The consultation is open until June 30.
    It comes after another group of residents near a major stadium said that the redevelopment of the ground will make their lives hell. More