Club criticises car park closure

The club and fans said the common was the most convenient parking area

Bosses at Lincoln City Football Club have said they are "baffled" that parking for fans has been scrapped.

Supporters have been banned from leaving cars on South Common, which has been used on match days for years.

The club said they had only 24 hours notice of the change and supporters might now leave their cars on residential streets.

The city council said they would make a long-term decision on the use of the common next month.

The first hundreds of fans knew of the change was when they arrived at South Common last Saturday to find locked gates.

I just can't understand it - because I can't see what the problem is Dave Roberts, Lincoln City chief executive

The club's chief executive officer, Dave Roberts, said he had been notified of the closure just a day before.

"I am disappointed at the timing and the way it was carried out," he said.

"But the decision - I just can't understand it - because I can't see what the problem is.

"It had happened for many years, to the best of my knowledge there has never been any problems, there are acres of common land there for people to use - I am just baffled at why we have come to this."

In a statement the council said: "This action was taken as a result of recommendations made by the Commons Advisory Panel, and following discussions with both the police and Lincoln City Football Club.

"We await the decision of the executive before determining what further action may be required."

The council also said there was adequate provision for vehicles in public car parks.

The Commons Advisory Panel is a group representing the council and stakeholders which seeks to make best use of common land in the area.