Anger over Albion plan for parking

The Albion wants to close Carden Avenue between the junction of Crowhurst Road and the Hollingbury roundabout to provide 200 parking spaces for supporters.

They would be taken by bus to and from Withdean stadium. Traffic would be diverted via Crowhurst Road or Ditchling Road.

Brighton and Hove city councillors have been recommended to approve the scheme on Friday.

Councillors for Patcham fear residents and traders will suffer and say the club should look elsewhere.

Last month Albion were granted permission to continue using Withdean and add an extra 2,000 seats to the stadium on the condition they provide the extra park-and-ride spaces.

Patcham councillors are concerned about the impact the road closure will have on the community and shops such as Asda and Matalan.

Councillor Brian Pidgeon said: "Many residents of Patcham will be trapped in their homes, unable to get out because of the extra traffic in the area.

"I understand the club no longer has an excess of supporters for home matches and for most home games tickets are available.

"I therefore cannot understand the need for additional park-and-ride facilities."

Councillor Carol Theobald said: "To sever this road for home matches would affect the journeys of a considerable number of residents and customers. There must be a better location."

Albion chief executive Martin Perry said residents and traders had nothing to fear.

"Residents will easily be able to use Crowhurst Road and traffic surveys say it will no cause congestion.

"As for the shops, I imagine they would benefit.

"The council says we must provide extra spaces to protect Withdean residents.

"We have looked at 13 sites and Carden Avenue is the only one that fulfils our need for one as close as possible to the A23/A27 junction, which is used by about 60 per cent of supporters.

The council advertised the changes and received 147 letters of support for the proposal and 29 objections.