“We are here for our residents and businesses and we will not accept selfish behaviour.”
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Gorse Hill - a target for council enforcement officers on Manchester United matchdays.
Gorse Hill - a target for council enforcement officers on Manchester United matchdays.
Manchester United's woes are not confined to performances and the crumbling stadium. People living near the still iconic Old Trafford stadium are having to endure unacceptable and disrespectful actions by some fans on matchdays.
The issue has been highlighted previously in the Manchester Evening News. Those living in the shadow of the ground endure three major issues - parking, litter and a small number of visitors to the stadium using the streets surrounding it as a public toilet. Beer cans are also tossed into front gardens.
Now, Trafford Council officers are cracking down on "anti-social and irresponsible behaviour" in the Gorse Hill area.
As part of a month of action, a series of measures will take place aimed at tackling anti-social, irresponsible or illegal activity in the neighbourhood.
The Gorse Hill area in the shadow of Old Trafford where anti-social behaviour on matchdays by a minority of fans remains an issue.
The Gorse Hill area in the shadow of Old Trafford where anti-social behaviour on matchdays by a minority of fans remains an issue.
Some of the work will specifically address problems that occur on Manchester United match days, while others will seek to tackle ongoing issues elsewhere in the community.
Last week's game, when Manchester United played Ipswich, saw the beginning of the action. Officers from the licensing and environmental improvement team were out and about in the neighbourhood to tackle fly-tipping, poor rubbish management, unlawful street trading and rogue taxis, while a full team of compliance officers were also addressing parking problems.
Councillor Rose Thompson, Executive Member for Communities and Safety, said: “Match days can be a big problem for residents, with inconsiderate fans parking badly and dropping litter to and from the game. We are here for our residents and businesses and we will not accept selfish behaviour.”
Sixteen Enforcement Officers will be in the neighbourhood on match days to encourage responsible parking and to tackle the unauthorised or unsafe parking of vehicles.
Gorse Hill - a target for council enforcement officers on Manchester United matchdays.
Gorse Hill - a target for council enforcement officers on Manchester United matchdays.
Further action is planned to improve Gorse Hill. This includes the Environmental Protection and Licensing teams working together to ensure businesses manage their waste responsibly.
There will also be a crackdown on matchdays on unscrupulous drivers of private hire vehicles. Fans are at risk of being picked up by them when the drivers are unlicensed, over charging or uninsured to carry passengers.
Last week, the Manchester Evening News reported how an unlicensed taxi driver was trapped in a council sting after trying to cash in on fans leaving an Arctic Monkeys gig.
The private hire driver illegally picked up two undercover officers from Trafford Council at the roadside after the band's concert at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground. The same issue is believed to be a problem on United match days.
During the month of action the council's resources and waste service will focus on a series of known fly-tipping grot spots over to address poor practices and improve the environment for residents. There will also be parking enforcement, the tackling of environmental problems and the promotion of community safety.
Councillor Thompson added: “We know it’s only a minority of people acting irresponsibly but they can cause major issues. Communities can be assured that we will do all we can to make sure they are happy, healthy and safe.”
Roads close to Old Trafford get clogged up with traffic on match days. Residents living in parts of Gorse Hill close to the stadium need to pay Trafford Council for a 12-month parking permit for their own vehicle and a visitor's permit for anyone visiting them.
But despite signs warning drivers about the restrictions, some people visiting Old Trafford still use the streets nearby to park their car for the game.