RESIDENTS are “trapped” in their homes and “frightened” due to an ongoing dispute over parking on Kidder-inster Harriers match days, according to a Wyre Forest district councillor.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Aggborough and Spennells, Helen Dyke, explained that for many years the football club had put out “no football parking” signs on the streets and roads around the ground.

She added they had recently stopped doing so and had not consulted residents or let them know it was going to happen.

She said: “They are not legally required to either put the signs out or consult with residents but it was always seen as an act of being a good neighbour.

“People are frightened that this is going to continue. The signs were there one moment and gone the next.

“Residents are getting trapped in their homes by parked cars while there is also a health and safety issue in Kennedy Close, where there can be problems with visibility when pulling out into the main road.”

She added: “People might say that as you live near a football ground you have to live with it but it is different if you are that person and it affects you in this way.”

Mrs Dyke said she had been contacting the club to try and arrange a meeting to resolve the dispute.

Roger Barlow, Kidderminster Harriers club secretary, said: “The club hopes this is just a temporary situation.

“We currently have concerns regarding the public liability of the signs and these concerns are being investigated.”

Local policing officer, PC Phil Green, added that the club was still putting signs out but that they had been limited to the newer roads, Primrose Way, Tutors Way and Ray Mercer Way.

He said the club had made the decision because the “original locations”, including Aggborough Crescent, were covered by access only road signs and it was believed that should be enough.

He explained: “The club is also making tannoy announcements at half-time to remind fans to park considerately.”