Residents kick off in the real-life Ambridge as football club turns air blue
THE tranquillity of a village that inspired The Archers has been “completely shattered” by the “shouting and swearing” of local footballers and fans.
Local residents in Inkberrow, Worcestershire, say they can no longer enjoy weekends because they are being disturbed by “loutish” supporters of the local football club.
Inkberrow FC is facing objections over plans to build two stands for its supporters. The club runs about 30 teams, from the under-sevens to an over-50s side, with many training and playing on weekend mornings at its Sands Pavilion ground.
Its application to Wychavon district council for the stands has triggered a row, with some locals arguing the village is being “swamped” by the team’s expansion.
When The Archers was first broadcast in 1950, its location of Ambridge was thought to have been based on Inkberrow, which has a population of 1,800.
Its 17th-century inn The Old Bull is believed to have inspired the series’s fictional pub, The Bull.
Lynn Moseley, 65, a retired bank worker who lives opposite the club, said that it would be “like having Birmingham City FC’S ground in the middle of a little village”.
She says the once-peaceful spot has been spoiled by the swearing and shouting of football players, giant floodlights and traffic problems.
The mother of two, who has lived in Inkberrow for six years, said: “When I moved in it was just a field where people played football.
“A year later the ground was built. Then they put in for planning and then it’s got bigger and bigger. At first it was a little annoying on a Sunday because it’s a very tranquil place, but now the noise even comes down my chimney because I have a coal fire.
“Sometimes I come back on a Tuesday night and all the floodlights are on and they’re huge. You think: ‘Blimey, this wasn’t like this before.’
“The floodlights don’t affect me, but for the people who live up the road, they’re right into their bedrooms.
“You’ve got the shouting and the swearing from the pitch, which I understand. I used to play netball, so I know how excited you become. But when you’re at home you don’t want to hear it.” She added: “It’s going to be like Birmingham City’s football ground in the middle of a little village.”
Another resident, who did not want to be named, added: “I’m glad the team are doing so well but it does attract a certain loutish atmosphere on matchdays. The traffic can get quite bad, too. You can hear the players and supporters effing and jeffing and what not. It does completely shatter the peace and quiet.
“If the club expands then I can only see it getting worse so I’m not too happy about it to be honest. We’re more cricket men around here.”
But Gareth Cornwell, a supporter, argued: “The club is fantastic meeting place. Safe and secure for our little ones to run around. The facilities are by far the best in the area and especially to those who have no transportation. The plans will only bring greater scope for all the local community.”
A spokesman for the council said: “Consultation is being carried out on this application until May 17 and anyone interested can view the application and submit a comment on our website.