THE SUPPORTERS’ Trust at Reading (STAR) has reversed its position on plans to scrap parking at Madejski Stadium.

STAR said back in 2015 that fans might boycott games after the club’s Thai owners revealed ambitions to use the land around the stadium for the £500m Royal Elm Park development.

Documents released last week show that more than 800 match-day parking spaces will be lost as a result of the project, which if given the green light, would be completed by 2019.

The Chronicle revealed how Reading FC is in talks with Reading buses over a fleet of free match-day shuttle buses, which will run from the town centre to the stadium.

STAR originally claimed the parking proposals could lead to a reduction in season ticket holders and a loss of match-day revenue for Reading FC– but the group has now retracted its objections.

In its original response, STAR claimed season ticket holders who live outside of the borough would be forced to scrap their annual passes and instead pick and choose matches they want to attend.

But after lengthy correspondence with the club, the supporters’ group is now content with the development’s transport plans.

Speaking on behalf of STAR, deputy chair Roger Titford told the Chronicle: “We have had a chance to see how the club is addressing the issues we put in our second letter to them.

“Having read through that we were sufficiently nullified to withdraw the objections that we made. That was done last week.”

The project does include a multi-storey car park but it is estimated there will be 833 fewer match-day parking spaces than are currently available to fans.

Fans have vented concerns over the loss of spaces, and a Chronicle poll has shown that the majority of fans will try and park in neighbouring streets, rather than use public transport alternatives.

A totle of 45 per cent of fans who took part in the poll say they will opt to park in neighbouring streets rather than use shuttle buses.

Fans warned Reading Borough Council the plans should be rejected to prevent cars spilling onto streets around Whitley on matchdays.

One fan responded: “I am opposed to this planning application because of the lack of sufficient car parking spaces for visitors to the Stadium. Many Reading FC season ticket holders, like myself and my wife, live many miles way, in our case 60 miles.

“Public transport is not a practical option. We currently park at the stadium car park. People like us will be forced to use street parking in local residential areas that will significantly inconvenience local residents in places like Whitley Wood.

“It will also slow down traffic in these areas and will also be dangerous as other drivers try and manoeuvre around all the extra parked cars.”

Madejski Stadium’s maximum capacity at present is 24,161.

Clubs with a similar capacity include Bolton Wanderers, which has 2,300 on-site parking spaces and Brighton and Hove Albion, which boasts 1,800 spaces.

The Royal Elm Park plans were discussed at a council meeting last (Wednesday night).

Visit www.readingchronicle.co.uk to find out the result.