Frustration at traffic chaos at the Ageas Bowl in West End

The cricket ground has long divided opinions amongst West End residents – especially after the overflow car park was transformed into houses.

Some have endured cricket enthusiasts parking on their driveways, while others revel in having an acclaimed cricket ground on their doorstep.

'Poorly handled'

But for retiree Peter Bedford from Bitterne Park, things need to change.

The 71-year-old, who watched a match at the beginning of the month, said: “Before leaving I said to my son that we have plenty of time to get there.

Peter Bedford outside the Ageas Bowl in West End

“We drove and when we got to ASDA on West End high street the traffic was stationary.

“The poor people who live in West End. It must be terrible for anybody who lives there.

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“Then, the queue to get into the Ageas Bowl went right round and down towards the main road.

“At five to seven the doors to the grounds were thrown open. It was pandemonium – everyone was running for it.

“I have never seen anything like it."

'The Bowl is a benefit'

Unlike Mr Bedford, some residents say the focus should be on what the Ageas Bowl brings to the area, rather than the traffic it can create.

West End writer Tom Huelin believes the benefit of having an “award-winning sporting venue outweighs the negatives.”

Tom Huelin

The 42-year-old said: “The best cricket players in the world are playing on our doorstep every year.

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“I have young kids and they are so lucky to live right here. For traffic that happens between 15 to 20 times a year, having the Ageas Bowl is a benefit.”

This thought was echoed by 44-year-old software engineer Dan McGinnes.

Dan McGinnes

Mr McGinnes, who has lived in West End for 13 years, said: “My son plays cricket, and it is good for him to see players from across the world and local teams playing there.

“Having that opportunity to watch cricket is really important.

“If you happen to be coming home at the time of a match, traffic can be bad and I totally understand why people find it inconvenient. The grounds could be better with regards to parking and accessibility.

“But the matches are not every night or even every week.”

Upcoming changes

In response to concerns raised, the Ageas Bowl said further improvements will be made.

A spokesperson said: "We acknowledge that there is an impact on local residents when we host major events at The Ageas Bowl, and we do everything possible to try to mitigate this. 

"We work collaboratively with our local council to implement a comprehensive coning programme on major event days to help protect the roads in the vicinity of The Ageas Bowl while offering extensive travel options – including a park and ride scheme and rail shuttles from local rail stations – to complement the on-site parking available at the venue."

Improvements include additional parking on-site which can be accessed directly from junction 7 of the M27.

This will be in use from 2023.

The spokesperson added: "While we will continue to work hard to minimise the impact on local residents as a result of hosting of major events at the venue, it is worth noting that the overall economic benefit brought to the area, based on an independent report commissioned by the council, is in excess of £50 million per year.

"More detail will be provided on The Ageas Bowl’s development plan – and the transformative change this will have on the venue’s amenities and contribution to the local area - in due course."

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