DANGEROUS parking has become a persistent problem for residents living around Leigh Sports Village on matchdays.

With Leigh Leopards and Manchester United Women both attracting growing numbers of fans in recent years, residents have been growing increasingly frustrated about parking issues around Marshall Street, Ledgard Avenue, and Wateredge Close.

The Journal reported on this issue in early 2023, with residents often unable to park on or get off their driveway in the streets around the Sale Way stadium.

There was also concern about children or vulnerable residents being forced into the road to pass the parked cars, and this problem has persisted after the start of the Leopard's Super League campaign.

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Leigh Journal: Parking problems have been persistently reported around the stadiumParking problems have been persistently reported around the stadium (Image: GMP)
As supporters' vehicles have been frequently parking on kerbs, on double yellow lines, not leaving enough pedestrian space and dangerously crowding corners, Greater Manchester Police's neighbourhood officers have been policing areas around the stadium recently.

With the parking causing "unnecessary risk" to residents, officers have handed out 12 traffic offence reports to the worst parked vehicles.

Leigh Journal: Pedestrians have been left without enough space to safely pass the carsPedestrians have been left without enough space to safely pass the cars (Image: GMP)
In a statement, a GMP spokesperson said: "There have been recent concerns raised regarding the way in which vehicles are being parked in the Leigh area, to attend events at Leigh Sports Village.

"This is causing unnecessary risk to the most vulnerable, wheel chair users, parents with prams and mobility scooter users, who are having to walk in the road to get around.

"The Leigh Neighbourhood Team conducted an operation in the area to address some of the issues. Officers were in the area during the build up to an event, advising people as they arrived regarding their parking.

"12 traffic offence reports were also issued to the worst parked vehicles.

"These kinds of situations are totally avoidable and Leigh Sports Village has details regarding all the approve places to park on their website."

Wigan Council has been previously made aware of the issue and said that it will work with the police to tackle dangerous parking on match days. Parking information around Leigh Sports Village can be found here.