Swim club urges stadium to drop new parking fee

Swimmers at Sunderland Aquatic Centre regularly use the car park at the Stadium of Light

A swimming club has said some of its members may struggle to pay new fees to park at a football stadium.

Members of Sunderland Aquatic Centre could pay £30 a month to park at the Stadium of Light after Sunderland AFC announced changes to its previously free car park.

Chair of the local amateur swimming club, Linda Reiling, said families were already coping with the cost of living crisis and said parking should remain free.

Sunderland AFC said there would not be a charge for those who stayed less than two hours and fees would help to encourage people to use public transport.

Ms Reiling said members of the City of Sunderland Amateur Swimming Club often attended multiple sessions a week that lasted more than two hours and would be have to buy a £30 monthly ticket to park.

"This might not seem like a lot of money but for our families, many already managing the rising cost of living, it increases the barrier and parents really worry that they simply won't be able to afford it," she said.

She also said that the Hilton Garden Inn opposite is to receive a parking discount for visitors and staff and asked "why can't they make an exemption for our members?"

Encouraging public transport

The hotel confirmed its guests and staff had been told they would receive a discount when the fees come into force on 26 August.

Under the football club's plans, the car park will cost £4 for two to four hours, £8 for four to eight hours and £10 for 24 hours.

It will be free to use on Sunderland AFC men's first-team matchdays.

Men's mental health charity Andy's Man Club has already said it will move from its current venue because of the fees.

Sunderland AFC said the fees would "contribute to the region's 2030 carbon reduction targets" by encouraging people to use public transport.

But Ms Reiling said bus services did not accommodate the club's early sessions at 05:45 and at school closing times.

"We're not asking for special treatment, we're asking for fairness, a practical solution, which could be an exemption arrangement for our registered members, volunteers and coaches," she said.