A Dundee sports club has faced backlash from locals as car parking demand leaves spectators “dangerously” blocking pathways.
Spectators at Whitton Park, which is home to Broughty Athletics Junior Football Club, have been parking on the pavement at Arbroath Road, near to the Claypotts junction, forcing pedestrians on to the busy road.
The park has around 30 designated parking spaces for visitors, but the construction of a state-of-the-art sports and community centre has led to an influx of visitors the popular facility.
Dundee East Community Sports Club (DECSC) announced plans for a new two-storey community facility at the park.
A new 3G artificial football pitch has been installed, with upgraded changing facilities expected at a later date.
The pitch was completed in the summer and is used by six of the city’s football clubs for training and match days.
But Arlene Robertson, who has lived in nearby Baldovie Road for over 25 years, said cars blocking the pavement is putting “lives at risk”.
The 55-year-old said: “Since the works have been completed it has been an absolute nightmare.
“My daughter visited at the weekend with her five-month-old baby and she couldn’t get her pram past because of the cars on the pavement.
“People are putting their lives at risk by having to walk on the road where oncoming traffic is coming at you at 40mph – it’s just not acceptable.
“Private parking spots outside of people’s homes are also being taken up and it’s just getting to the point where people don’t want to leave their house in the evening in case they can’t get back in.
“Someone has to take responsibility and sort the mess out as it isn’t fair on people who live here.”
Gordon Deuchars, chairman of Broughty Athletic JFC, said the issues are down to “teething problems” caused by the new facility.
He said: “It’s a new facility so we’re seeing more traffic coming in and out but we have employed two caretakers to deal with issues regarding parking.”
“I suspect the people who are doing this are new to the facility and it is just teething problems with it being a new centre and we’re committed to solving the matter.
“We have warned people by placing notices on car windows instructing them not to park there as they will receive a fine if caught.
“We are continuing to work with residents on this matter.”
A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “We will look into this and take appropriate action where necessary.”
