RESIDENTS fed up with football fans preventing them from parking outside their homes have hit out at Stevenage FC and the borough council for not finding a solution.

Those living in residential areas surrounding the Lamex Stadium in Broadhall Way have said the problem of parking on match days has got worse since parking restrictions came into force at the nearby Roaring Meg Retail Park last month.

Businesses at the retail park told the Comet last week the 90-minute restrictions had proved effective in deterring fans on match days, but Olly Jenkinson said it is Stevenage residents such as himself that continue to suffer.

“I have reported inconsiderate parking to the club on numerous occasions, sadly they don’t actually care,” said Mr Jenkinson, who lives in Valley Way and regularly has difficulty reversing from his driveway due to parked cars.

“With cars trying to pass with the road now one car-width wide, as you can imagine reversing from a drive becomes a very risky task.”

Matt Young, of Leaves Spring, told the Comet fans often park in bays and along the street outside his house.

“Whenever there is a home match we have to plan our day so we are either back before 2pm or leave after 3pm, otherwise we are not able to park near our house upon our return,” he said.

“I have contacted the council before about getting some signage up to indicate the parking bays are for residents use, but I’ve not had any response. Since the parking restrictions were put into place at the Roaring Meg, there are even more cars parking in our street and on the grass verges.”

Another Comet reader, who asked to remain anonymous, added: “When asking some supporters – home or away – if they can move down the road slightly so I can unload my car closer to my home I have a few obscene words thrown back at me.

“Stevenage Borough Council informed us that they would help our streets be free of football traffic but we have never had any solution.”

A spokesman for Stevenage Borough Council, which provides 500 free parking spaces at the Fairlands Valley Showground, said: “We have previously consulted with residents regarding options for residential parking and have taken action to deal with illegal parking on verges and footways along Broadhall Way. We are about to start informal consultation on parking with residents of Shephall.

“While we are unable to take action where cars are parked legally, we will continue to work with the club and local residents to improve the situation wherever possible.”

Since the new restrictions came into force much of the Fairlands Valley Showground has been out of use due to visits by a fair and a circus.

Stevenage FC did not respond before the Comet went to press.