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."