Campaigners against stadium defiant despite ‘abuse from fans’
OPPONENTS of plans to build a new football stadium on the outskirts of Aberdeen are to push on with their campaign despite allegations they have suffered abuse from disgruntled fans.
The Dons revealed plans earlier this year to relocate from their current Pittodrie home to a £40 million development on a greenfield site eight miles away, near the outlying western suburb of Kingswells.
But the Say No to Kingsford Stadium group claims that the increase in traffic from travelling supporters would bring chaos to the already congested roads.
The group also claims that there will be a “visual and environmental impact” from the sports complex being built.
Work is already under way in the area on the city’s long-awaited bypass, the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR).
Residents close to the proposed new stadium development have also raised concerns over safety on days and issues around anti-social behaviour.
But the opposition’s frank views on the move have attracted criticism from fan groups online – a move which has been condemned by Aberdeen FC.
Angus Jamieson, a spokesman for the stadium opposition group, said online abuse would not derail their campaign.
He said: “We want Aberdeen Football Club to reconsider. Do they really want to rip their club from the heart of the city and move it more than 6.5 miles outside, where access for fans will be significantly poorer?
“In addition, this development will saddle the club with significant debt for years to come. We believe they should consider sustainable development within the heart of the city.”
The new stadium at Kingsford – complete with training facilities – could accommodate up to 19,000 fans within the next three years.
Club chairman Stewart Milne had initially been in talks with the city council about a move to a site at Loirston to the south of the city.
But the plans were scuppered due to planning restrictions and other red tape.
Mr Milne said the replacement site that had been earmarked would be “ideal” for supporters.
The age of the club’s current ground and restrictions from surrounding land prevents the club from developing the city centre site any further.