Calls to increase parking for Harborough Town FC supporters following club’s latest promotion
Harborough MP Neil O’Brien has led calls to increase parking for Harborough Town Football Club supporters following the club’s third promotion in the past five seasons.
The Bees will begin the next season in National League North, the sixth tier of the English football pyramid, after winning the Pitching-In Southern League Premier Central Division by ten points. The club’s success has led to a significant increase in attendance at matches, and now Mr O’Brien is leading calls to increase available parking around the club’s Bowden Park ground. Mr O’Brien wrote: “I have been contacted by players, parents and coaches who are concerned about safety, particularly the risk posed to children by vehicles circulating the already constrained car park on busy matchdays. “With around 1,000 children and supporters expected to attend fixtures, and numbers rising, there is genuine concern that the current situation could lead to an accident.” The club has put forward a proposal for a temporary car park on a designated area of land, although it is believed that progress is delayed due to them awaiting a response from Sport England, a statutory consultee. Mr O’Brien added: “The club has worked with neighbouring organisations, including the rugby club, leisure centre and National Health Service facility, to bring forward a proposal, which I understand has received support in principle from Harborough District Council. “Given the clear safety concerns and strong community case, I would be grateful if this matter could be considered as a priority.”
The Harborough Mail has seen a copy of Sport England’s response to the MP, in which the governing body writes: “We are not currently holding up progress on any proposal relating to parking at the ground but are keen to support the club in bringing forward appropriate solutions.”
Sport England added that it would be contacting Harborough Town Football Club to make them aware of how to access their free pre-application advice service, through which clubs or applicants can submit outline details of proposed developments.
Harborough Town Football Club vice-chair of trustees Paul Mullins said: “We are delighted that Sport England are supporting our initiative to increase parking around the ground, and are working closely with partners to find a solution.
“We would like to thank the community for their support during an amazing season, and it is already a very busy summer for us both on and off the pitch.”