Remember our neighbours – that’s the key message to spectators ahead of a busy period of fixtures at The OnSite Group Stadium.
People attending matches at AFC Portchester are being reminded to use roads close to the stadium respectfully and responsibly and not to park where they are blocking access to junctions and drive ways.
The club have received an increase in reports from local residents during recent matches highlighting parking problems, and local people and club stewards have even received verbal abuse while trying to marshall match day traffic on nearby residential roads.
Much work has been done by the club in recent years to reduce parking and traffic problems and club officials have been working closely with local residents on ways to reduce any issues experienced.
Chairman Paul Kelly urged people attending matches at The OnSite Group Stadium to not block local roads and to follow any instructions given by stewards on match days.
He said: “It has been disappointing to receive an increase in reports of vehicles being parked irresponsibly on match days and it is completely out of order for people volunteering their time to act as stewards to be receiving verbal abuse when they are trying to help improve the parking and traffic situation – which will help residents and spectators alike.
“We have put a lot of work into forming a close working relationship with local residents and we are not prepared to let the actions of a tiny minority of drivers wreck that.
“Bad parking on residential roads not only blocks access for people living there but it will also prevent the emergency services reaching call outs when they can’t navigate along those roads.
“We urge anyone attending matches at AFC Portchester to drive to the end of Cranleigh Road where there are a lot of parking spaces available at Wicor Recreation Ground (picture of one of the Wicor parking areas with this story).
“Also allow yourself some extra time to find an appropriate parking space on match days. There is plenty of parking available within close walking distance of the stadium – allowing a little extra time to find a space will help to prevent vehicles being left where they will cause issues.
“Motorists should be aware that if your parking is blocking access on a local road the vehicle could be removed and towed away by the local authorities and emergency services – which is something you don’t want to have to deal with after watching a game.
“Please help us and residents by travelling and parking on the local roads responsibly and following any instructions given from our friendly team of stewards.”
The club are on the look out for additional stewards to help out on matchdays. For more information and to volunteer your services please email Paul.kelly@afcportchester.co.uk
