Residents are paying the penalty for traffic problems near Falkirk area football park

Residents got in touch with The Falkirk Herald this week regarding issues of parking in and around Ochilview Park, specifically on Gladstone Road, saying the situation was now a "crisis".

One householder said: “Following the closure of Stenhousemuir FC's car park, parking on Gladstone Road has become completely unmanageable. Despite double yellow lines and clear restriction signage, parents, players, coaching staff, patrons, and members of the club routinely disregard these restrictions.

"Stenhousemuir FC recently placed barriers at the end of the road. However, due to the fact these barriers are entirely unmanned and unenforced, drivers simply move them aside to drive in and park."

Residents say the impact of this has been "severe”.

"Access to private driveways and garages is frequently blocked. Vehicles are parked on pavements and over dropped kerbs, forcing pedestrians with prams and wheelchair users out onto the road.

"Deliveries to nearby businesses, including B&M, are routinely obstructed. On one recent Sunday morning at 8am, one resident was awakened and asked to move their own vehicle because of they way they were forced to park outside their property the night before prevented a delivery lorry from passing safely.

"There has been physical property damage - including damage to a resident's garage door and a van. Emergency service vehicle access is also severely constrained due to dangerous and obstructive parking, creating a serious public safety hazard."

Residents say they have made numerous complaints to Stenhousemuir FC and Falkirk Council, but no action has been taken as yet. When the contacted Police

Scotland they were told since the road is council-owned, enforcement action does not lie with the police.

When residents have confronted people about the parking issues they say they have received verbal abuse.

"This is causing severe anxiety and upset and if being honest, both my partner and I dread coming home as we never know if we are going to be able to access our own home.

"From a club with such high community influence and standing, this is completely unacceptable and the complete disregard and general unhelpfulness from staff and players, proudly wearing the club badge, is not what you expect from someone who is representing a community club such as Stenhousemuir FC."

A Stenhousemuir FC spokesperson said: “Stenhousemuir Football Club has been part of this community for over 140 years and we value our relationship with our neighbours around Ochilview enormously.

"We are genuinely sorry to hear of the difficulties some residents have experienced. We want to reassure residents that the club is doing all it can to encourage use of the local paths and roads in a courteous and thoughtful way.

“Our car park is currently closed while essential maintenance work is carried out, to ensure the safety of the workers on site. This closure was communicated in advance across all of our channels.

"Since then, we have spoken directly with some individuals and we continue to communicate regularly with players, staff, parents, members, supporters and visitors, reminding everyone to park considerately and in line with the road restrictions.

"Our community programme is doing the same with everyone involved in its activities. We have also placed barriers at the end of the road to help discourage parking there.

“It is important to explain Gladstone Road is not owned by the club and the club has no legal power to enforce parking or road restrictions on it. The barriers are there to help, but as the road is not ours, we cannot prevent people from moving them.

"Responsibility for parking lawfully and safely rests with each individual driver and enforcement of road and parking restrictions is a matter for the relevant authorities. Any damage to property should be reported to Police Scotland.

"The club does not condone anyone speaking to residents in a disrespectful way and if anyone has specific details of such behaviour by people connected with the club, we would ask them to share these with us directly so we can address it.

“With regard to deliveries to neighbouring businesses, the club has not received any reports of issues from those businesses. We will be meeting with Gary Bouse to discuss the situation and to explore practical solutions and we remain committed to working constructively with residents and Falkirk Council.

"Our door is always open to any resident who wishes to speak with us directly.”

The Falkirk Herald contacted Falkirk Council regarding the matter but has yet to receive a response.