Pi!NK concert success praised as Wanderers address concerns

In a meeting with residents and councillors in Horwich and Bolton, CEO of Bolton Wanderers In The Community, Phil Mason attended the meeting along with Bolton Council’s head of service for building control, Patrick Cunningham.

There was praise for the way the club handled the recent P!NK concerts with the event declared a success despite a few hiccups with parking.

The club said it understood there were concerns with carelessly parked cars especially ‘illicit’ taxis adopting illegal parking and was dealing with any issues.

A spokesman for the club said: “The club welcomes the feedback of local residents and is keen, with the support of stakeholders working together, to continue its engagement with residents and support the wider community as a good neighbour.”

Henry Lisowski (Image: Henry Lisowski)

The club has held a number of these meetings over the last few years to work with people living in the area, in turn reducing the number of concerns, particularly around parking and access arising from match days and events held at the stadium.

In a joint statement with BWitC and Cllr Victoria Rigby of Horwich and Blackrod First Independents, following the P!NK concert she said: “Residents highlighted some issues that occurred, particularly on the first night, but it was unanimously declared a success primarily due to the extensive planning meetings that were held leading up to the events, including the previous meetings with the residents.

"As part of the traffic and transport provisions, road closures and restrictions were also put into place and access to residential areas were restricted exclusively to residents only.

The statement added: “By and large, this worked well, but the club appreciates that some cars were still parked carelessly in some residential areas.”

On official match days, the club encourages fans to use official car parks and have also given nearby residents signs to display in windows to deter people from parking on the streets.

Concerns were raised however, regarding parking for residents in like Claypool, Brazley, and Lostock, and a meeting will be held to discuss this further.

The Whites will continue to hold the meetings to address any concerns the public may have and offer solutions where possible.