We’re trapped in our homes by idiot Man Utd fans blocking driveways and parking over the pavement when the game is on

RESIDENTS have slammed football fans blocking them from flocking to the area on match days.

Locals told how fans climb curbs and stop at double yellow lines when visiting nearby Leigh Sports Village Stadium to watch games.

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Greater Manchester Police spotted several vehicles blocking driveways and crowding pavements during Manchester United women’s 6-0 win over Liverpool on January 15.

The LSV stadium plays host to the Man Utd women’s team, who share the stadium with local rugby league team Leigh Centurions, as well as Man United men’s youth teams.

Residents are demanding residential zones and more police action, complaining that they are “trapped” in their homes at weekends.

Norma Higginbotham, 62, told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s a nightmare. It is ridiculous. We had to put up a sign asking to keep the driveway clear.

“You double park on the corner. We can’t leave the driveway, fire engines and ambulances wouldn’t have a chance to get through.

“I have lived here for 22 years. I wish they hadn’t brought LSV here now, we used to have tons of fields and trees. It has brought more problems than benefits.

“I fear that every weekend now. We’re forced to stay because of this parking.”

Norma believes this is a security issue that could be addressed with tougher penalties and residency permits.

She claimed these were promised by Wigan Council years ago but nothing has happened so far.

The 62-year-old also said she was concerned that her grandchildren were playing in the street after seeing a dog run over.

Wigan Council says it is aware of the problems.

City councils work with the police and send out civilian law enforcement officers to issue parking tickets for illegally parked cars.

Other residents, Jim Barker and his partner Barbara Scott, parked a car in front of their own driveway to keep people from blocking it every game day.

“Years ago there were a lot of traffic cops, now they’re a bit few and far between. It’s a nightmare,” Jim said.

Barbara worries that the cars parked on the street will keep emergency vehicles from coming down the street.

Another resident said the parking problem was “open carnage” and suggested slapping tickets on cars was the only way to deter people.

A spokeswoman for Wigan Council said: “We are aware of reported parking issues around Leigh Sports Village on matchdays.

“We are considering how best to address this issue in consultation with all residents, including a possible survey of local roads around the LSV to determine if a ‘resident permit parking scheme’ could be an appropriate solution.

“In the short term we will continue to work with the LSV and the police to address this parking issue on matchdays, including dispatching civilian law enforcement officers to issue tickets for illegally parked cars. Parking spaces are available on site at the LSV, but these are quickly booked up on busy match days.”

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