Parking close to Edgar Street the home of Hereford Football Club is set to become more difficult because of decisions taken by Herefordshire Council.
With both the football club and the new retail development on the old livestock market site attracting lots of support, it appears the Council has not taken this into account when taking decisions which affect the amount of parking in the immediate area.
For example there were 763 parking spaces on the Merton Meadow Car Park. With the new road from Edgar Street going across it, the number of spaces will be cut to under 200.
Currently on match days parking is already at a premium and it has become increasingly difficult to drive into the Merton Meadow or the Waitrose car parks especially if driving northwards along the A49 and then wanting to turn right.
There is a map showing some of the car parks here: https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-highways/parking/car-parks-council/hereford-city-car-parks
The Council say there are 2666 car park spaces in Hereford.
Hereford supporters are concerned about the amount of parking.
Colin Butler is one in particular.
'The trouble is ever
since I have been attending Edgar Street (1968-69 season) we have had a
large amount of parking right next to ground, it's something we have
taken for granted,' Colin told BN.
'Perhaps I am being a tad pessimistic
but the lack of parking I feel eventually will put some off attending.
Before and after the Salisbury game was very manic and as we strive even
larger gates the situation will possibly get worse.
'I can not
understand council policy regarding parking, think they need to to
implement a park and ride scheme before reducing much needed parking.
Their polices will be detrimental not only to the football club but to
those who want to shop in Hereford.'
One car park which appears little used on match days is the privately owned park opposite the Whitecross Fish and Chip shop.
Perhaps owners Heineken could be approached by, for example, a charity to see if it could be used?