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Colchester: Problems will be sorted for next U's game

8:00am Wednesday 6th August 2008 in


Residents living near Colchester’s new community stadium say fans swore at them and urinated in public on the night of the first game there.

Despite a 15-minute delay, inside the ground the friendly against Athletic Bilbao was judged a success by fans, police and bosses alike.

But residents living nearby reported a host of traffic problems both before and after the game, with many fans claiming to be unaware there were only 667 parking places, each of which required a permit, despite extensive pre-publicity.

Boxted Road resident Malcolm Nicholson said his wife had been sworn at by fans parking illegally near their home while another resident reported supporters urinating on grass off the road.

Meanwhile fans using the shuttle bus service from Bruff Close said it had worked quickly and well, but nearby Mile End Road residents said the number of buses had caused traffic chaos near Colchester North train station.

A Colchester United spokesman said they were aware of problems and were trying to deal with them in time for the next home fixture against Huddersfield, on August 16.

Martin Goss (Lib Dem, Mile End) said: “The way Colchester United have managed the travel plan is offensive to local residents."

Comments(34)

thelookout says...
8:48am Wed 6 Aug 08

Quite agree with your report, it was chaos on Monday night.It is time that the residents had more say in what is happening in the area.Why didn't the police put out traffic cones in the streets around the area.I dread to think what will happen when the away supporters arrive for the next game.

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seikothrill says...
9:53am Wed 6 Aug 08

Martin Goss (Lib Dem, Mile End) said: “The way Colchester United have managed the travel plan is offensive to local residents - disagree with this Martin. I live in Mile End and had no problems and saw no problems getting to the game.

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Poacher says...
10:06am Wed 6 Aug 08

I have to say to be fair I didnt see any great problems in residential areas either.

The big problem to me looked like the queue of traffic going into United Way and slow turn around getting cars into the carpark.

It would seem more logical to me to have stewards on a roundabout checking to see if people have tickets as it is easier to turn them back there than try to do a three point turn in the entrance way!

I think though to be honest until the new A12 access and park and ride is in place, getting to and from the stadium is always going to be a problem both to fans and residents.

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Say It As It Is OK? says...
10:20am Wed 6 Aug 08

The travel plan may have worked for those who used the buses.

But, as always the inconsiderate supporters, who were either too tight to pay to park at the stadium or just too lazy just dumped their cars anywhere in the streets around Mile End without any consideration for local residents.

Col U agreed to follow all the guidelines of the travel plan that has been in place for months now but they chose to ignore many aspects by not stewarding the streets around the stadium. Not suprising though the club are well known for saying one thing and doing another. Proper, responsible management is required!

Quote: "A Colchester United spokesman said they were aware of problems and were trying to deal with them in time for the next home fixture against Huddersfield, on August 16"

For gods sake is that all they can say, an unnamed "spokesman said" anyone would think the first match last Monday was unplanned.

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E8 the new Barside says...
11:21am Wed 6 Aug 08

There is nothing wrong or offensive with the travel plan.

What caused any problems were down to Colchester Borough Council, and their failure in putting yellow lines and signage in place. Shame on Mr Goss for attempting to shift the blame on the club, instead of exerting his influence as councillor to ensure CBC did what they were supposed to do.

The shuttle bus service worked really well and it's shoddy journalism from the Gazette that they didn't make a big point of this and encourage these drivers stuck in "length queues" to give it a try instead.

Is it because bringing up these positive points doesn't sell newspapers?

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gossmartin says...
11:31am Wed 6 Aug 08

In response to the comments made, it depends on which part of Mile End you live in or visited as to whether there was an issue, but there were a number of affected areas - I was out and about and witnessed it myself as did other councillors. Had the mobile signs and stewards been out as planned which Col U are responsible for, these issues may well have been reduced.


In response to E8. Colchester United is totally responsible for implementing the travel plan which they have agreed to. They failed in their duty of care by not erecting signage or providing stewards in all the agreed key locations. First night teething issues were anticipcated but not not on this scale. So no, I am not trying to deflect blame, I deal in facts.

CBC are also NOT responsible for Yellow lines. This lies with the Highways team at Essex County Council. There are No stopping clearways around the stadium and Boxted Road and permanent signs are now up. No yellow lines are being painted. Clearways do not require them if signage is up.

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The REAL Norm says...
11:34am Wed 6 Aug 08

Gazette - shoddy journalism?!

How dare you E8.

That's like calling the Pope an atheist. The Gazette is the Harvard of local journalism. Its incisive commentary on the development of Colchester and extensive coverage of important local events should serve as an inspiration to us all.

Although, to be honest, sometimes it is a bit s**t and you wonder if the work experience kid wrote a few of the stories because the bitter, twisted old hacks were off down the pub getting leathered and wondering what would have been if they'd broken into the nationals when they were in their prime....

Oh well, two sides to every story!

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gossmartin says...
11:54am Wed 6 Aug 08

To the Real norm - instead of talking complete rubbish, perhaps you would educate yourself to the facts.

1. Councillors don't have expense accounts
2. No I was not "standing around watching the chaos"
3. I don't watch Coronation Street
4. Col U are responsible for implementing the plan - a fact you don't seem to be able to grasp!
5. You really don't know what you are talking about!

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seikothrill says...
11:59am Wed 6 Aug 08

Martin - CBC should be ensuring ECC and/ or Highways Agency should be placing double yellows in certain spaces especially United Way and Axial Way and Boxted Road.

I am disappointed that such a large number of CUFC fans still decided to drive in despite numerous requests from club to utilise the alternative methods


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cufc_media says...
12:00pm Wed 6 Aug 08

Morning everyone,

I hope that people enjoyed their experience once they got in the ground - when the singing started, I thought it was excellent.

We are conscious that things didn't go totally to plan in certain areas and we have already had post-match meetings to identify the problems and solutions - including responsibilities in certain areas.

I personally have been liaising with Martin and I know that his concerns have been responded to this morning by our stadium manager. We both hope to meet him in the near future.

The idea of a ramp-up event is to identify and resolve the problems so I hope that things will be better in the future.

Of course, as a club, we do not condone the urinating/swearing incidents and would say that is far from typical behaviour by our fans, who usually conduct themselves excellently.

If you have any comments, please drop me a line via my email address, which is on the club's website.

Thanks,
Matt Hudson
Media Manager

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seikothrill says...
12:00pm Wed 6 Aug 08

Martin - CBC should be ensuring ECC and/ or Highways Agency should be placing double yellows in certain spaces especially United Way and Axial Way and Boxted Road.

I am disappointed that such a large number of CUFC fans still decided to drive in despite numerous requests from club to utilise the alternative methods


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seikothrill says...
12:00pm Wed 6 Aug 08

Martin - CBC should be ensuring ECC and/ or Highways Agency should be placing double yellows in certain spaces especially United Way and Axial Way and Boxted Road.

I am disappointed that such a large number of CUFC fans still decided to drive in despite numerous requests from club to utilise the alternative methods


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archiebunker says...
12:07pm Wed 6 Aug 08

People abusing residents or urinating is unacceptable and should be condemned.
If people are parking illegally then get the parking attendents out and ticket them - the council has no hesitation doing this in other areas.
If the proposed restrictions are not in place then kick ECC up the arse to get them sorted.
Large parts of the travel plan worked very well Monday night - considering it was the first time it was ever used - and it would be nice for a local politician to be ready to give credit as quickly as they are ready to sling brickbats!

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Ken Dodd's Dad's Dog says...
12:18pm Wed 6 Aug 08

Martin, despite the Travel Plan being in the public domain for some weeks now, you don't appear to have been making claims in the press that it's "offensive" before. Still, better to wait until it's up and running and get your soundbite than highlight this before to enable modifications to be made where necessary.

The fact of the matter is that there were always going to be teething problems, nothing will work perfectly first time. This is just a case of nimby-ism, or were you and all the local residents this concerned for those who lived in the Layer Road area prior to the end of last season?

Just a question, was the signage regarding the Clearways up before Monday night - I'm not saying it wasn't, would just be interested to know.

And re the stewards that the club is apparently to marshall the "no parking" zones - what power will they actually have to move anyone on. Surely on the public highway the only people who can enforce restrictions are the police or traffic wardens (oh, they're down to the council aren't they??).

I travelled from outside of Colchester, I parked at the station and used the buses. They seemed to be travelling at most in groups of 3, and when I walked from the station car park to Bruff Close at 6pm, and got on the bus, I wouldn't describe it as gridlock, even at the height of the rush hour. After the game the bus drove back down to Bruff Close with no delays, so am a bit confused to where the chaos ensued.

It has been widely publicised in the past few months that where possible fans should make use of the public transport options available to them, and have been discouraged from using their cars, and the parking limitations at the stadium itself have been highlighted on numerous occasions. I'm not quite sure how the club can be blamed for people deciding to ignore that advice. So we're told not to use cars, and now you'r discouraging people from using the "offensive" public transport options, and people shouldn't walk because it might upset the residents - Tell me Mr Goss, how do you propose getting people to and from the stadium?

Finally, do you not see the irony in saying you are not trying to deflect blame, before in your next sentence passing the buck to the county council on yellow lines etc. It may well be down to them to do, but it's on your patch, have you been pushing them to make it happen, or are you happy to sit back and deflect the blame elsewhere?

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Poacher says...
12:20pm Wed 6 Aug 08

"I hope that people enjoyed their experience once they got in the ground - when the singing started, I thought it was excellent."

.....and when it ended less than two minutes later???

I will admit I hate all seater stadiums at the best of times but the atmosphere here was the worst I have yet expierenced.

I am putting it down to lack of away fans and the usual vocal home supporters not really knowing as of yet which stand to gather in. (I am going for East Stand next time!)

As for the travel arrangements, clearly from this morning posts it looks like buck passing between the club, CBC and ECC.

Clearly there are issues and someone needs to take responsibility and get it sorted or this fiasco is going to rumble on throughout the season and detract from what is really important.....what the team are doing on the pitch!!

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E8 the new Barside says...
12:30pm Wed 6 Aug 08

Martin, if the borough/countil council were not responsible for parking restrictions on public roads and the associated signage, they would not be able to fine people for disobeying the regulations!

The fact is, legal enforcement signs are NOT the responsibility of the club and it's time the council woke up, took some responsibility and got their act together.

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cufc_media says...
12:31pm Wed 6 Aug 08

No buck passing involved, Poacher, we know what needs to be addressed and how!

Speaking to other clubs who have made a stadium move, it does take a few games to polish off your processes, and I believe we are on the right track.

The atmosphere in general will improve, exactly for the reasons you suggest. Bear in mind that the probable "vocal section" was not open on Monday and it will eventually pick up.

Right, must crack on with the Huddersfield programme.

Cheers,
Mat

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E8 the new Barside says...
12:42pm Wed 6 Aug 08

There is never a great atmosphere at friendlies usually anyway, the only exception is when we've played Ipswich, and with their large following and the fact it's a local derby that helps.

As for the yellow lines, Martin Goss does correctly state that yellow lines are not required if clearway signs are up, but that does NOT mean that the lines can't be painted in addition. A sign can easily be missed, but with yellow lines in place it is very clear even to less observant people where you can/can't park.

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Webthunder says...
12:56pm Wed 6 Aug 08

Many comments are debating the ownership of the tasks. The point being made is that these roles and responsibilities have been put in place before the game and not fulfilled during the game. Debating who should do what is not the point, which a lot of people are missing.
The point Mr Goss is making is to ensure that those who have agreed to actions carry them out as stipulated. Note the chap from Col-U has not queestioned the ownership.
I was there, some of it was good, some of it was not as agreed. These are the points that need addressing.

More importantly, this is not passing the buck, its forcing the implimentation of what has been agreed. Come on guys, pay attention when reading

I am sure it will get better

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Ken Dodd's Dad's Dog says...
1:03pm Wed 6 Aug 08

Webthunder, that's as may be, but Mr Goss has set his stall out by claiming the travel plan is "offensive" whereas this far from the experience of anyone that used it, and, I'll say it again, whether or not the parking marshalls were there, the only ones who can enforce highway regulations are the police or council wardens, IF the relevant signage was there in the first place.

You're right in saying it should be about implementing agreed procedures and not apportioning blame, but on the face it the borough council have not implemented their agreed responsibilities, and Mr Goss seems happy to apportion that blame at the door of the county council.

I do agree with your last point though - I am sure that as more games take place, the process will get smoother and it will get better. That said you can't please all of the people all of the time, there will still be local residents not happy, and I'm sure Mr Goss will keep popping up in the press every time that happens.

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Webthunder says...
1:32pm Wed 6 Aug 08

KDDD - His quote is "offensive to local residents". With posts already highlighting this, and I witnessed some myself whilst at the game, the quote is fair. Congrats if you didn't witness this, wish I hadnt seen someone spelling their name in urine against a car.

Agree regarding your comment about enforcement. The role of a marshal is not to action, but to deter and report directly to those who can take action i.e. the police. A more cost effect method.

I live very near to the ground myself and do I want it near me, hell no. But I still purchased my house last year knowing full well it was there and accepted the disturbance issues that may arise so I could live in a great part of the town. Its controlling hassle, and protecting the lives of residents that is the key. People walking back from a game is not a nuisance, however and with this great country, the few always ruin it for the masses.

I enjoyed it so much, I will probably go again and take my kids, that's what it should be about, not dodging the pi$$ed people who are disruptive ( please note I only refer to disruptive, as I enjoy a drink :-) )

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Say It As It Is OK? says...
1:34pm Wed 6 Aug 08

Ken Dodd's Dad's Dog....you say Martin Goss set his stall out by claiming the travel plan is "offensive".

No, if you read it he said it was "offensive" to residents which is a totally different slant than the one you choose to use.

Yes, it was offensive to residents last Monday and many residents want to see some more formal parking restrictions on the side roads to stop the indiscriminate parking we saw on Monday. Accesses were blocked and had there been a fire all hell would have broken out but those that just dumped their cars did'nt care less!

However, residents did not push for formal parking restrictions because the club agreed, as part of the travel plan, to steward the local roads and to put out cones to stop indiscriminate parking but not only did they totally fail in their responsibility the club also failed by completely ignoring residents concerns on the night.

I agree with what others have said. If the club do not meet their responsibilities to correctly steward the area then we must all insist on more formal parking restrictions to be put in place.

Then those that do illegally park will face a financial parking penalty.

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gossmartin says...
1:40pm Wed 6 Aug 08

Actually yes spot on I am a huge Holloaks Fan, although normally in meetings so don't get much time to watch it.

No free lunches, no booze etc

Yes I do have a sense of humour! :)

I will be meeting club representatives shortly. They have been very receptive.

Yes parking attendants will be out issuing tickets and yes CBC are responsible for this.

Clearways along Axial Way/Boxted Road etc have signs up.

I do like a great debate!

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Surrey Visitor says...
2:21pm Wed 6 Aug 08

I travel by car to Col U games from Surrey. Like many other out of towners, we often have to spend more than most to get to games and therefore costly parking is not ideal. The bus scheme at Bruff Close also has no local parking as I understand it (or very little). The extra half hour to park in town and get a bus is also not ideal after a long journey. The fact is that there will always be a minimum of 1000 people coming to games by car and often more. Therefore information on the nearest free parking is a must for all these people. I do not mind a 20 minute walk I just need to know where I can park easily without offending anybody.
The club has done a tremendous job moving to the stadium in such a short period of time and the bus scheme seems to have been a tremendous success. I know the club and the vast majority of fans respect the local residents but I think Mr Goss and the other complainants should also respect the club and appreciate it is trying hard to make the move a success. The council have been very quiet and I would have thought information on parking restrictions and available parking should come from them.
Well done Col U for your endeavours and with good dialogue between all parties I am sure these teething problems will soon be overcome.

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E8 the new Barside says...
3:04pm Wed 6 Aug 08

It should be remembered that the "Football Special" service for people living outside Colchester was not in operation on Monday night, neither was the plan involving the trains.

However these will be in operation for the rest of the season, starting on the 16th August.

One of the routes for the "Football Special" service has yet to be finalised as they want some feedback from supporters on possible locations to pick people up from.

Follow this link for details:

http://www.cu-fc.pre
miumtv.co.uk/page/Ne
ws/0,,10424~1354346,
00.html

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Say It As It Is OK? says...
3:15pm Wed 6 Aug 08

Quote from Surrey Visitor:
"complainants should also respect the club and appreciate it is trying hard to make the move a success"

What a joke. Obviously you did not witness how disorganised the stewarding was around the local roads! If that was an example of Colchester United "trying their hardest" then god help us if they had'nt tried at all...which they didn't!

And, what dialogue have Col U had with local residents? I will tell you...absolutely non at all!

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haggydaggy says...
3:42pm Wed 6 Aug 08

I am afraid yellow lines will have to be put down, because certain lazy people who always want everything for nothing and on a plate are not prepared to either pay a small amount for travel/parking instead they park on the roadside and in the industrial parks and clog it all up for everyone!

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Red Tape says...
5:02pm Wed 6 Aug 08

What happens with the shuttle bus service when the likes of Leeds and Millwall come to visit? Are opposing fans expected to share the same buses? That should be interesting - and messy I'd imagine!

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localyokel says...
5:43pm Wed 6 Aug 08

haggydaggy lazy people? we dont all have spare hours to catch buses to games we work you know, getting to matches in time the car is the only option. No car no game for some, still it will give you more choice were to sit in the ground.
ps hope col u will be paying for the extra police needed at shuttle bus pickup area when Millwall etc come to town, i'd hate to see you bus passengers suffer.

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archiebunker says...
7:14pm Wed 6 Aug 08

Localyokel - you could park your car at the station and get the shuttle bus to the ground in less time than it would take you to find a parking space and walk to Layer Road if you were getting there as late as you suggest!

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andyrich666 says...
9:04pm Wed 6 Aug 08

Ok, first of all Its the council who decide who can park where and not, even if I choose to illegally park its my decision, its not a issue for a resident its again the council who enforce the parking. I always park where I can illegally or not, its my decision and not that of some angry resident, she got a mouthfull of abuse and that I guess Is what she should have expected. My car is taxed Mot and insured so that entitles me to park legally where I want when I want and I will continue to do so

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localyokel says...
11:45pm Wed 6 Aug 08

archiebunker you might well be right
if all matches are on a summer monday night, but i doubt very much it will be that easy on a friday night game, as for saturday well we will see what happens. I have to say i never had any real problems parking near layer road and that includes the time before crowd was limited. But for those who dont work 9-5 jobs or live out of town
cars are the only way we are going to get to the match,so we either add to the traffic problems around the station/turner rise or we add to traffic problems near the ground. I suppose it depends how bad we want to see the matches and is the hassle to get there worth it?

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Gideon Smythe says...
9:05am Thu 7 Aug 08

Was relegation part of the plan?

Now Colchester United can have a season of relatively small crowds so that the facilities can be tested out. If they have a couple of seasons in the lower leagues it will give the council some time to buy some paper and pencils and start planning a junction on the A12.

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Webthunder says...
9:51am Thu 7 Aug 08

"andyrich666 - I always park where I can illegally or not, its my decision and not that of some angry resident, she got a mouthfull of abuse and that I guess Is what she should have expected"

Great attitude! exactly the behaviour that will cause problems, I dont care, I do what I want, She deserved a shouting etc etc.

What hope do we have with attitudes like this. And as a resident I would love to see you try it on with others!

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