POLICE today vowed to crack down on Accrington Stanley fans who park inconsiderately on match days following complaints from angry residents.
Now supporters of the club face being greeted with fixed penalty notices when they return to their cars, police have warned.
Complaints from residents living around Conference side Accrington Stanley's Interlink Express Stadium have prompted local officers into action.
While Stanley's success on the pitch, including a good run in the FA Cup, has delighted fans and brought bumper crowds, it has left some residents angry.
Inspector Julian Platt said: "There have been concerns about where fans going to the games are parking, and problems caused as a result.
"To be honest, it tends only to be on the big games that there are problems. We are monitoring the situation and if people do park somewhere inappropriate, they can expect to return to find a ticket."
A working group with the council, local residents and police has now been formed.
Peter Shaw, from the local residents association, said: "We look forward to seeing what comes out of these meetings to resolve the problems we have been having."
Coun Bernard Dawson said: "While it may not always be a problem now, Stanley are a team we hope continue to do well and go up the league.
"We need to start looking for solutions now."
Eric Whalley, chairman of Accrington Stanley, said the club had received no official complaints about the problem, but said the club would try to help.
He said: "We will work closely with whoever has complained. I am sure if this working party is formed we will certainly liaise with them.
"But I haven't had any complaints. There is very little we can do but we could certainly try to help them"
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