A retired Celtic season ticket holder, Gordon, who travels to games from Newcastle, emailed the club last week to explain that he is unable to walk for more than 10 minutes, and as a consequence of the proposed parking ban around Celtic Park on match days, he would be unable to attend games in future.
Gordon explained how Dalmarnock Station was not a viable option and that public bus provision in the area is totally inadequate.
He forwarded his email to John Mason, MSP for Glasgow Shettleston in the hope that the SNP politician would do what he could to help infirm visitors to the area, but he got the most incredible response from Mason: “Could you think of supporting a smaller more local club that would appreciate your adding to their crowd?”
On every level, this is appalling. Mason could not care less when presented with evidence that this policy would prejudice the disabled. Instead, he suggested someone who visits the city on a regular basis, stays local to Newcastle and supports another team.
He cannot suggest public transport is appropriate, because trains and buses do not have the capacity or frequency, all he can do is ignore the fact that the man is infirm, ignore that he is brining money into the local economy, concentrate on the fact that he is an unwelcome Celtic supporter and tell him to stay in England.
If you travel to Celtic Park along London Road from the south or the east, this is the NEAREST spot cars will be able to park on match days. Cars will start parking here, opposite the cemetery entrance, and anyone disabled who is unable to walk the distance will be prevented from attending.
This is one of the most stupid proposals conceived by politicians who care nothing about the people they are paid to serve.
They don’t care that they have not provided adequate public transport.
They don’t care that they have prejudiced the disabled.
They don’t care that they will displace parking from one area to another.
They don’t want you supporting Celtic and have backed themselves into a corner. God forbid they admit they have made a mistake and actually help those too infirm to walk great distances, or too poor to afford corporate parking facilities.
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JC2- Tennents and Magners available at Fanzone on Sunday
Response from John Mason:
Thanks for your email.
I think you may only have seen a small part of the exchanges I have had on this subject by email and on social media. I fear that one short statement can sometimes be taken out of context!
There is a huge problem with inappropriate parking around Celtic Park on match days. Residents in my constituency are effectively trapped in their homes by fans parking across their driveways, etc. They also live in fear of needing an ambulance or fire engine in an emergency as they would struggle to get into many streets.
So in the first place I am supportive of the Council’s proposals to make the area a more controlled parking zone although the details have to be worked out.
In response to several folk raising the question of disabled fans or others who could not walk far, I have said that there is plenty of room for these fans to park if those who are able to walk 20 minutes would park further away in a more considerate manner. The parking problem is not caused by disabled fans. It is caused by perfectly able bodied fans (often with very expensive cars!) wanting to park as close as possible to Celtic Park (and I think the other major stadia in the City) with no regard for residents.
I hope that clarifies my position.
However, as a more general point, I am a Clyde supporter and would like to see more fans considering supporting smaller more local teams… like Clyde! (To be fair to the gentlemen I was chatting to by email, he told me he does also support a local team, so well done to him.)
Cheers for now
John
I have since sent another response; I know most of the answers but just want clarification in writing:
John
Thanks for the response.
As a resident of the East End I am fully aware of the impact (and economic benefit) of football matches and other events bring to the area and also the safety concerns for emergency services. Just to clarify, are there any special facilities for disabled fans in close proximity to the stadia or is it a blanket ban on all cars? Provisioning for “blue badge holders” closer to the venues could alleviate a lot of the problems for disabled fans, but not necessarily for those older or less mobile fans who do not have a blue badge. How would you view the impact on those less mobile but not disabled fans?
Regards
KTF
I take the point about the imperfect blue badge scheme but if blue badge holders can now easily park in the restricted area surely Celtic could make enough spaces available in their car parks to cater for those with mobility issues that aren’t covered by the blue badge scheme.
I don’t believe this is some sort of anti-Celtic scheme. Just a response to complaints by the residents. As someone already mentioned this sort of scheme has already been in place at Hampden for years. Is there also an anti-Queens Park agenda in the city chambers?
Fellow Tims, I haven’t posted in years but am a ‘long time lurker’ and wanted to comment on a couple of things re these new restrictions. Firstly, for those wanting to look at the actual proposals you can find themn (hopefully) via this link:
https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=20480
If I have messed up the link you can access the documents by googling Glasgow City Council website/Roads and Parking/Parking/On Street Parking/Proposed Parking Controls/Celtic Park.
The Press Notice, Report and Frequently Asked Questions contain the most info.
For Blue Badge holders here is the relevant section from the Q&A
“Q. I am disabled and have a blue badge, where am I supposed to park?
A. If there have been no parking facilities provided for you at the stadium then you would be able to park within the EDPZ without limit of time provided you display your blue badge in the correct manner.”
Now I might be totally wrong here but I’m thinking that London Road and Springfield Road should be available unless the council decide to define them ‘Emergency Routes” with place double yellows.
Stephbhoy was asking what were the chances of Celtic and other bodies getting together to fund a multi-storey car park. This entry might suggest that’s a non-runner.
“Q. Will the Council be building a multi storey car park or providing other car parking facilities for fans?
A. No. The Council wish to discourage vehicles into the area when games are on to reduce congestion. Building a multi storey car park would be contrary to this.”
Hopefully, Celtic, the CSA and other groups will take all our concerns on board. My personal view is that ultimately GCC, the Greens and Uncle Tom Cobley would like us all to dump our cars and opt for bicycles. And as I am all to rapidly approaching 70 and have golf clubs to humph, that ain’t an option. I feel a rant coming on so I shall take those clubs out into the sun and put them to use. Hope this info is also of use.
BADA BING
Sure my “friend” will be able to get by on Tennents and Magniers for one day
If he manages to get up in time after attending game on SAT.
Cheers
Appreciated
Dear David
Thanks for your email.
I think you may only have seen a small part of the exchanges I have had on this subject by email and on social media. I fear that one short statement can sometimes be taken out of context!
There is a huge problem with inappropriate parking around Celtic Park on match days. Residents in my constituency are effectively trapped in their homes by fans parking across their driveways, etc. They also live in fear of needing an ambulance or fire engine in an emergency as they would struggle to get into many streets.
So in the first place I am supportive of the Council’s proposals to make the area a more controlled parking zone although the details have to be worked out.
In response to several folk raising the question of disabled fans or others who could not walk far, I have said that there is plenty of room for these fans to park if those who are able to walk 20 minutes would park further away in a more considerate manner. The parking problem is not caused by disabled fans. It is caused by perfectly able bodied fans (often with very expensive cars!) wanting to park as close as possible to Celtic Park (and I think the other major stadia in the City) with no regard for residents.
I hope that clarifies my position.
However, as a more general point, I am a Clyde supporter and would like to see more fans considering supporting smaller more local teams… like Clyde! (To be fair to the gentlemen I was chatting to by email, he told me he does also support a local team, so well done to him.)
Cheers for now
John
John Mason
The Mason story, first item on Clyde News, well done Paul
CELTIC MAC on 17TH MAY 2018 1:22 PM
The housing being built in the East End is on previously demolished sites or derelict land. There are many fantastic public green spaces that can be used so the local population aren’t, IMHO, being adversely affected.
Much the opposite in fact with more socially rented housing being built we are tackling significant problems in the area.
KTF
Elected officials are generally self serving prats who care nothing for the electorate.
An elected Mason serves a secondary agenda with no attempt to hide it.
A BUNGLING Nats MSP told a disabled Celtic fan to support another team after he complained about parking restrictions around Parkhead.
The supporter – who can’t walk for more than 10 minutes at a time – wrote to Mr Mason to highlight concerns about a a parking ban being enforced near Celtic Park which now mean he can no longer attend matches.
Mason made the comments
ALAMY
4
Mason made the comments
But the local MSP for Glasgow Shettleston responded: “Could you think of supporting a smaller more local club that would appreciate your adding to their crowd?”
The man – known only as Gordon – regularly travels to games from his home in Newcastle.
Paul Brennan, editor of Hoops fan site Celtic Quick News, who was sent a copy of the email, said Mr Mason’s response was “appalling”.
He said: “Mason could not care less when presented with evidence that this policy would prejudice the disabled.
“Instead, he suggested someone who visits the city on a regular basis, stays local to Newcastle and supports another team.”
Mr Brennan claimed public transport to the stadium is “not adequate” for people with disabilities.
And he said the politician had ignored the fact this supporter brings cash into the local economy.
He added: “This is one of the most stupid proposals conceived by politicians who care nothing about the people they are paid to serve.
“They don’t care that they have prejudiced the disabled. They don’t care that they will displace parking from one area to another.
“God forbid they admit they have made a mistake and actually help those too infirm to walk great distances, or too poor to afford corporate parking facilities.”
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/chancel-mbemba-wanted-three-clubs-14669915
I’m sure our French speaking legion would help him settle in.
Spoke to a Newcastle supporter and he said he was probably their best defender, along with Lascelles, before Benitez decided to stop playing him this season. Can play both full back positions as well as centre half and is very pacy apparently.
Mr Mason is a member of the cross party group on……….. Disability
OMG
Celtic fans blamed for having ‘ very expensive cars? ‘
Nice work Paul
…..mason’snoamason….said his mum….he’sanaughtyboy…
Expensive cars
Heated driveways
Trophy rooms overflowing with silverware.
Up the Rebels
I would love to see the proof of Mason’s allegations about his constituents regularly having their driveways blocked. Worrying about Emergency Services access.
Etc,etc…
I live in a very narrow street in Swindon. Vehicles parked on both sides,only room for one vehicle to progress.
I was brought up in Kilwinning,council house in-honest-Parkhead Avenue. Again,narrow streets with little room for vehicles to move.
Willing to bet that many of these traditional narrow streets-designed and built before such widespread car ownership-are experiencing similar problems during the week.
And very interesting that Celtic Park and the surrounding area finally gets an upgrade,decent road access,etc,and now we can’t use it on matchdays.
They don’t want you supporting Celtic
==========
Paul67
Can you elaborate on this?
This is a highly sinister move and they dont seem too bothered that they are effectively stopping some people attending matches at Celtic Park.
HH
So the real problem, according to Mason is the Celtic Support. It appears, amongst other misdemeanours, that they park cross entrances to homes, etc. They should not really be on any street is perhaps what he would prefer. Wonder how often he travels out to the Clyde games? His reply to others and myself is simply an attempt to get himself out of the hole he dug for himself.
TBB parks his Beemer in a secret fenian enclave a stones throw from the Celtic Way.
Cliques csc
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 17TH MAY 2018 4:24 PM
I would love to see the proof of Mason’s allegations about his constituents regularly having their driveways blocked. Worrying about Emergency Services access.
Etc,etc…
______________________________________________________
M, it is a problem and sometimes when idiots park roads are blocked. I’ve seen bin lorries unable to navigate some of the streets so it would be the same for emergency vehicles.
KTF
Contacted Mr Mason and pinted out that restrictions only move them to someone else’s area. “I’ve done my bit”it’s someone else’s problem now. I also pointed out that MP’s and councillors stood by and let my local team bar me because of the school I went to. Wait for his reply
I think It is illegal to park across a dropped kerb driveway – if so then a roaming traffic warden would soon stop anyone
Peter Lawwell used to park his motor in Camlachie by the Celtic End then head straight for the pis*ing and fartin section in the ole Jungle.
TrueStory CSC
Was thinking about Celtic trying to get a Park & Ride arrangement. Glagow cooncil would probably arrange for orange walks to take place on the days we are at Celtic Park so widnae work
What happened to the ole Lallygrad money?
I won’t be allowing a Mason to tell me were I can park my e-type jaguar
I walk up Barrowfield street on the way to CP, i’ve never seen a driveway blocked and there are plenty of driveways. Some of the residents charge supporters to park on their driveway, something I’ve seen disputed but i have seen it happen with my own eyes.
VFR
And this isn’t a problem any other day of the week? You know why I do for a living,I’ve frequently seen bin lorries,HGVs,emergency vehicles in bother. Every day of the week,and not just Saturdays. That’s the point I’m making,mate. Celtic fans on matchday are no more of a problem than office workers any other day of the week.
Alan McGregor joins that ‘elite’ group of players that have played for Rainjurz and Sevco.
LEFTBACKAGAIN on 17TH MAY 2018 3:43 PM
Mr Mason is a member of the cross party group on……….. Disability
These people don’t live in the real world…
Cars illegally parked around CP, get lifted asap, he is waffling a lot of $#!te
I’ve only seen access to driveways scrupulously respected, even on the coldest nights and biggest games.
As for the local economy, every time I visited, some wee raj benefitted to the tune of a few quid!!!
Words of the day (a la VFR!)
Extortion
‘Protection’
Raqueteering
It was an education for my wee Dunblane Bhoy when he was younger!!
HH jamesgang
I don’t know where this bus picks up or it has access to the bus park in Janefield Street but joining it may solve some of Gordon’s problems and maybe save him a few bob on fuel. As it is as Mason points out some of the parking on match days is inconsiderate in the extreme.
http://www.tynesideceltic.com/club-info/
Ps If someone knows Gordon can they ask him where he parks when we play at Hampden considering that we are there on a regular basis.
AnothersomeonesouttogetusstoryCSC
Email of objection sent to GCC.
Got an acknowledgement back.
Here’s the link
To object to @GlasgowCC parking proposals email: saferparking-celticpark@glasgow.gov.uk
Objections must be received by Friday 1 June 2018
Just in case some may have missed it.
I have some sympathy for John Mason. Parking is a nightmare for councils.
People unconcerned about crime, education or inequality morph into urban guerrillas when their right to park is challenged.
But Mr Mason was seriously daft when he suggested Clyde as an option for Gordon.
Anyway i’ve found that coming back to 4 flat tyres makes sure that that particular culprit never parks in that spot again
I never park illegally, never at a match, never blocked anyone in.
However, next season, my mother in law will be home alone and unable to get out, as I will be using her blue badge, while putting on a limp as i progress to celtic park.
trending on twitter …………
“how to get a house in parkhead avenue”