RESIDENTS have expressed concern about the build-up of traffic on a Chepstow road during the local football team's matches.

The area around Larkfield Park Road, which leads into Chepstow Town Football Club, has seen an increase in obstructively parking,

Some homeowners have reported illegal parking where cars are parked close to road junctions and others have complained about being blocked in their own driveways on matchdays.

John Scammell, of Larkfield Grove, has claimed to have seen several 'near-misses' as cars pull into the hectic road from the A48.

Mr Scammell has suggested several alternatives to curb the illegal parking, including the introduction of double yellow lines or temporarily deploying police 'no parking' cones.

"I’ve lived on Larkfield Park for approximately 20 years and many residents have become annoyed by inconsiderate car drivers," said Mr Scammell.

"You can't help but think that if a young footballer is hurt on the pitch, then an ambulance won't be able to get through the street.

"Does a young child or elderly resident have to be seriously injured or even to lose their life before something is done?"

The junction leading out into the main road is the primary concern of 73-year-old Joyce Avent, who has also witnessed several close calls.

"When you come up from Chepstow and try to get down our road it's really dangerous," said Mrs Avent.

"You can't see past that first car and if you need to give way, you can't reverse back onto the main road."

Last week, the Chepstow Town played a cup tie against local rivals Undy Athletic and as expected, the road experienced an increase in activity.

However club secretary Stuart Carter believes such incidences will be few and far between this coming season.

"When we played Undy last week that was to be expected as they're a rival," said Mr Carter.

"This season we're out of both cups and there won't be many huge games against teams so I don't think there will be any huge parking problems this year."

Paul Keeble, traffic and network manager at Monmouthshire County Council, said that the council have received reports from Larkfield Park residents.

He added: "Any potential solutions will also involve Gwent Police and the football club as well as the support of the majority of residents since parking restrictions are also likely to have an impact on residents and their visitors.

“The local member will be fully involved in any decision should proposed changes to the highway be justified on the grounds of traffic management and be assessed as a priority for funding from the limited highway budget.”