The only ones who want Reds to up sticks to Toton
RESIDENTS’ YEARS OF NUISANCE
RESIDENTS of a cul-de-sac in West Bridgford say it would be “lovely” if Nottingham Forest moved to Toton – even though an agreement has been made in principle for the club to stay at the City Ground.
Gresham Gardens, just off Wilford Lane in the leafy town, is right next to the Nigel Doughty Academy training ground.
But its proximity to the Reds’ home ground also means it is popular with fans parking on matchdays.
And residents say it has become worse over the years – especially since Forest were promoted to the Premier League.
“Matchdays are a big issue,” say one couple who live on the road. “They park on both sides. This road is not designed for people parking on both sides. We’re blocked in our properties. It’s a no-go area for us. We’re trapped. We can’t come, we can’t go. If an ambulance wanted to get down, it couldn’t.”
Photographs of cars lined up on the kerb have been taken by residents as evidence of how bad the issue has become.
Diane Cooksey, 58, moved into her home when Forest’s training ground was already there – so it wasn’t as if she was taken aback by football-related issues – but she wants fans to take a minute to think when they arrive and return.
“When there’s a late game they come back and slam their doors at 10pm,” she said. “If they were a little bit more considerate it would be nice.”
Others cut straight to the point. “They’re a nightmare,” said one woman, who has lived on the street for 17 years. “The parking’s wicked. If you’re not careful, you back into a car as you come off your drive. But it’s just something that you have to put up with.
“It would be lovely (if the stadium was) in Toton,” she added. “Let them have some of it,” she chuckled. Parking problems are exacerbated by the club’s Premier League status. We reported in June about how life on Gresham Close, on the opposite side of the training ground’s access road to Gresham Gardens, is difficult when noise from the club’s gym is audible in back gardens.
That problem now appears to have reached an agreed resolution, with the club having submitted plans to build a more soundproof gym. But autograph hunters are an ongoing issue.
And it’s arguably worse for those on this side. Forest’s continuing efforts to work with residents have led to the club putting up signs telling those seeking signatures that players will not stop on their way out.
But it remains to be seen whether it works. This week, in fact, there have been gatherings near the gates, Gresham Gardens residents say.
On Monday morning, it was relatively quiet. But during the season the issue could not be more pertinent for residents.
“It’s the regulars who come during the week,” says one lady. “They park on double yellow lines – even when there’s space further up not to – and block you getting into the road, and then glare at you. They’re all over the place.
“It’s got worse since they got to the Premier League. And there’s a new signing every day. It’s like a revolving door. So there’s always someone to get an autograph from.”
Dave Savidge, who has lived on Gresham Close for 12 years, says things have improved. “We are working so closely with (the club),” explains the 62-year-old.
“We have a quarterly meeting to
We’re trapped. We can’t come, we can’t go. If an ambulance wanted to get down, it couldn’t Resident
try and resolve the issue. It’s got a thousand times better since near the end of last season.”
Long may that remain the case for these residents.
But it’s too late for some. Those living right next to the entrance moved out in light of the constant presence of fans lurking outside their home.
One resident said that fans leave empty coffee cups and cigarette butts on her drive.
Another reported that fans once set up deckchairs on his garden to camp outside the training ground. But not everyone’s so critical.
“I love Forest,” says one woman. “They can park here if they like, as long as they don’t sit on my garden. The litter’s annoying. “But I love them.”