On the same day that it was revealed that a principle deal had been reached for Nottingham Forest to stay at the City Ground, residents of a cul-de-sac in West Bridgford declared that it would be “lovely” if the club moved to Toton.
Situated near the Nigel Doughty Academy training area, Gresham Gardens is a beautiful town in Nottinghamshire, located off Wilford Lane.
However, because of its close proximity to the Reds’ home stadium, it is also a well-liked location for supporters to leave their cars on game days.
Furthermore, locals claim that for the past few years,particularly after the team was promoted to the Premier League, things have gotten worse.
“Matchdays are a major problem,” a traveling couple remarks. They each have parking spots. It is not intended for people to park on both sides of this road.
Our properties are blocked from us. We don’t go near the region. We’re confined. We are unable to enter or exit. An ambulance could not descend if it so desired.”
Residents have snapped pictures of automobiles parked on the kerb to demonstrate how serious the problem has gotten .
Even though Diane Cooksey, 58, moved into her house on the road while Forest’s training facility was already there, so she wasn’t surprised by football-related concerns, she would still prefer that when fans arrive and depart, they take a moment to appreciate the peaceful neighborhood they are in.
“When there’s a late game they come back and slam their doors at 10pm,” she says. “If they were a little bit more considerate it would be nice.”
Others cut more straightly 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 their 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, which were also mentioned, is a lesser-settled issue.
And it’s arguably worse for those on this side. Nottingham Forest’s continuing efforts to work with residents has led to the club sticking plastic signs outside advising those seeking signatures that players will not stop when they drive past on their way out.
But it remains to be seen whether that works come the start of the new season. This week, in fact, there have been gatherings near the gates, Gresham Gardens residents say.On this Monday morning (July 8), it’s relatively quiet.
But during the season, the issue could not be more pertinent for residents, some of whom were here even before the training ground was built.
“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 twelve years, says the issue has improved. “We are working so closely with (the club),” explains the 62-year-old.
Those living at number two on Gresham Gardens, right next to the entrance, moved out in light of the constant presence of those lurking outside their home.
We have a quarterly meeting to 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.
Residents describe that their driveway is littered with cigarette butts and empty coffee cups from admirers.
Another resident says that at one point, fans slept outside the training facility with deckchairs placed up in his lawn.
Not everyone, though, is that harsh. One woman declares, “I adore Forest.” “As long as they don’t sit on my garden, they are free to park here. It irritates me to see the litter. However, I adore them.”
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