Village that inspired Archers ‘shattered’ by ‘loutish’ local footballers

The tranquillity of the village that inspired The Archers has been “completely shattered” by the “shouting and swearing” of local footballers.

Locals in Inkberrow, Worcestershire, say they can no longer enjoy their weekends in peace as they are being disturbed by “loutish” supporters of the village football club.

Inkberrow FC is now facing objections from villagers to plans to expand and build two new stands for its fans.

The club runs about 30 teams, from the under-sevens to an over-50s side, with many training and playing on Saturday and Sunday mornings at its Sands Pavilion ground.

Its application to Wychavon District Council for the stands has sparked a row, with some locals arguing the village is being “swamped” by the team’s expansion.

Retired bank worker Lynn Moseley, 65, who lives opposite the Midlands club, said 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’ - it was a nice, quiet dark village.

“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.”

Another said: “Living in this what was once a quiet idyllic road in a rural village has become like living in a busy city, and our quiet Saturdays and Sundays in our gardens have lost their tranquillity as I’m left listening to shouting and swearing football players.”

Another resident, Rosie Lee, said: “This club is growing way too fast for the size of the small rural village we live in.

“The applications being put in are for a town-sized club’s amenities.

“I live on a small rural road which is being swamped by this tiny club expanding beyond the size of the road it sits on.

“There is not enough parking as it stands, without extra seating.

“I feel that adding grandstands is totally out of keeping with my local village with its protected central area and dark village policy.

“The ugly structures will detract from the beautiful landscape.”

‘Fantastic’ venue for families

But supporter Gareth Cornwell argued: “The club is fantastic meeting place for everyone. Safe and secure for our little ones to run around.

“The sporting facilities are by far the best in the area and especially to those who have no transportation.

“The plans will only improve the club and bring greater scope for all the local community.”

Inkberrow’s first team plays in the Midland Football League Division 2 and Sporting Club Inkberrow competes in Division One of the Hellenic League.

A spokesman for Wychavon District Council said: “Consultation is currently being carried out on this application until 17 May and anyone interested can view the application and submit a comment on our website in the usual way.

“As this is a planning application we have yet to make a decision on, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”