Football groundshare sparks noise and parking complaints

Residents have complained about noise and parking problems since the Bottom Meadows groundshare began

A non-league football groundshare has led to more noise, light pollution and congestion, residents have claimed.

Bracknell Town shares the ground of fellow Berkshire club Sandhurst Town FC following an agreement with the town council.

Residents told a public meeting there were now effectively "two away teams" at matches.

Sandhurst town mayor Ray Mossom told the meeting "I can only say sorry" for the disruption.

Complaints included travelling fans parking on residential roads, noisier games and training sessions, and light pollution from floodlights since the groundshare at Bottom Meadows began.

Under an agreement signed in August, Sandhurst Town Council, which owns the ground, granted a 30-year lease, backdated to 2021, to let Bracknell Town FC play there.

Previously, the ground was leased to Sandhurst Town FC, with the Bracknell Town groundshare permitted under a series of temporary agreements.

Resident Sarah Bird said: “I have nothing against Sandhurst Town football club playing here. It’s been here for years.

“The issue we have is that Bracknell Town – a much bigger club – has come here, so we have two away teams playing here. So we have two away teams’ cars.”

She added: “It’s the council’s problem because they did not consider the impact it would have on the local community.”

Mr Mossom admitted the town council's performance "hadn't been perfect", but said residents had the chance to comment on previous applications for planning permission for extensions at the ground.

Kayne Steinborn-Busse, director of the SB Sport and Education Group which controls both football clubs, said he would speak to staff about noise and investigate lighting problems.

He also said he could advise players and fans about parking – but the clubs are not allowed to put signs or stewards on public roads directing people where to park.