Meteor way 2014

[pablo]

This club is beginning to drive me up the wall. Arriving at 10.45 today I thought, with a small crowd in the offing, I would try to park in the 'new car park'. Despite there obviously being a large number of spaces available ( 21 at 11.15) I was told  the car park was full for members and was turned away. Sad case that I am, I monitored the spaces in the car park throughout the day and there was never less than 20 spaces available sometimes nearer thirty. Who were these empty spaces allocated too? Why didn't they turn up ? If it is supposed to be on a first come first served basis and I arrived first why should some other so  and so who couldn't be bothered to be there at the start or at all, be given priority?

And while I am in ranting mode - the catering this year after a significant improvement last, is simply appalling. The healthiest options seem to be hamburger ( with a roll so tough I nearly broke my tooth on it) crisps, chips or chocolate or a fried breakfast. No fruit,no home made cake as last year, and if you are lucky to acquire a sandwich(one left in the entire ground today at 1.00pm) that hasn't been frozen for the full four days you are fortunate. The likes of Leicester, Derby and Worcester can all produce a wide range of really good food at a competitive price why can't we?

[Starfish]

Thanks for post

Regarding comment re catering, I will pass your comments onto our catering team

We have had some very good feedback from the food options available within the Pavilion, we have new dishes of the day eg lasagne for a very competitive price

We have tried healthy options eg baguettes and salads in areas and sold approx 3! However we are here to listen to feedback, we want to offer a range people want

Thanks for feedback

[Valentines Park]

we want to offer a range people want

Except where beer is concerned.

[Mick]

This club is beginning to drive me up the wall. Arriving at 10.45 today I thought, with a small crowd in the offing, I would try to park in the 'new car park'. Despite there obviously being a large number of spaces available ( 21 at 11.15) I was told  the car park was full for members and was turned away. Sad case that I am, I monitored the spaces in the car park throughout the day and there was never less than 20 spaces available sometimes nearer thirty. Who were these empty spaces allocated too? Why didn't they turn up ? If it is supposed to be on a first come first served basis and I arrived first why should some other so  and so who couldn't be bothered to be there at the start or at all, be given priority?

And while I am in ranting mode - the catering this year after a significant improvement last, is simply appalling. The healthiest options seem to be hamburger ( with a roll so tough I nearly broke my tooth on it) crisps, chips or chocolate or a fried breakfast. No fruit,no home made cake as last year, and if you are lucky to acquire a sandwich(one left in the entire ground today at 1.00pm) that hasn't been frozen for the full four days you are fortunate. The likes of Leicester, Derby and Worcester can all produce a wide range of really good food at a competitive price why can't we?

Similar situation for me only I was there much earlier and was told the ten spaces allocated for members had been taken. After parking a way away and returning on foot it was clear the car park was still far from full and that was still the case before the lunch interval and again after the lunch interval. The was a small army of stewards keeping members from using these empty spaces.

Why is this Danny ?

[IanS]

This club is beginning to drive me up the wall. Arriving at 10.45 today I thought, with a small crowd in the offing, I would try to park in the 'new car park'. Despite there obviously being a large number of spaces available ( 21 at 11.15) I was told  the car park was full for members and was turned away. Sad case that I am, I monitored the spaces in the car park throughout the day and there was never less than 20 spaces available sometimes nearer thirty. Who were these empty spaces allocated too? Why didn't they turn up ? If it is supposed to be on a first come first served basis and I arrived first why should some other so  and so who couldn't be bothered to be there at the start or at all, be given priority?

And while I am in ranting mode - the catering this year after a significant improvement last, is simply appalling. The healthiest options seem to be hamburger ( with a roll so tough I nearly broke my tooth on it) crisps, chips or chocolate or a fried breakfast. No fruit,no home made cake as last year, and if you are lucky to acquire a sandwich(one left in the entire ground today at 1.00pm) that hasn't been frozen for the full four days you are fortunate. The likes of Leicester, Derby and Worcester can all produce a wide range of really good food at a competitive price why can't we?

Similar situation for me only I was there much earlier and was told the ten spaces allocated for members had been taken. After parking a way away and returning on foot it was clear the car park was still far from full and that was still the case before the lunch interval and again after the lunch interval. The was a small army of stewards keeping members from using these empty spaces.

Why is this Danny ?

I share your frustration. I was at the match on Tuesday and parked in Meteor Way. Walking to the ground around 1100, I saw the empty spaces and checked with the gate staff that indeed this was the new "members'" car park. I was told that the empty spaces were reserved for people attending a meeting. I was also informed that the few spaces available to members were usually full by 0730!

It occurred to me that membership of Essex CCC equals a very cheap car parking facility for a commuter, since it costs £1,000+ pa to park at Chelmsford station.

It really isn't cricket.

[DT]

This club is beginning to drive me up the wall. Arriving at 10.45 today I thought, with a small crowd in the offing, I would try to park in the 'new car park'. Despite there obviously being a large number of spaces available ( 21 at 11.15) I was told  the car park was full for members and was turned away. Sad case that I am, I monitored the spaces in the car park throughout the day and there was never less than 20 spaces available sometimes nearer thirty. Who were these empty spaces allocated too? Why didn't they turn up ? If it is supposed to be on a first come first served basis and I arrived first why should some other so  and so who couldn't be bothered to be there at the start or at all, be given priority?

And while I am in ranting mode - the catering this year after a significant improvement last, is simply appalling. The healthiest options seem to be hamburger ( with a roll so tough I nearly broke my tooth on it) crisps, chips or chocolate or a fried breakfast. No fruit,no home made cake as last year, and if you are lucky to acquire a sandwich(one left in the entire ground today at 1.00pm) that hasn't been frozen for the full four days you are fortunate. The likes of Leicester, Derby and Worcester can all produce a wide range of really good food at a competitive price why can't we?

Similar situation for me only I was there much earlier and was told the ten spaces allocated for members had been taken. After parking a way away and returning on foot it was clear the car park was still far from full and that was still the case before the lunch interval and again after the lunch interval. The was a small army of stewards keeping members from using these empty spaces.

Why is this Danny ?

I share your frustration. I was at the match on Tuesday and parked in Meteor Way. Walking to the ground around 1100, I saw the empty spaces and checked with the gate staff that indeed this was the new "members'" car park. I was told that the empty spaces were reserved for people attending a meeting. I was also informed that the few spaces available to members were usually full by 0730!

It occurred to me that membership of Essex CCC equals a very cheap car parking facility for a commuter, since it costs £1,000+ pa to park at Chelmsford station.

It really isn't cricket.

Blimey do they drive and park at 0730, get the bus and train home, then arrive back on bus/train at 11am and drive home??  Or do they camp in the Weatherspoons for breakfast??

[DT]

This club is beginning to drive me up the wall. Arriving at 10.45 today I thought, with a small crowd in the offing, I would try to park in the 'new car park'. Despite there obviously being a large number of spaces available ( 21 at 11.15) I was told  the car park was full for members and was turned away. Sad case that I am, I monitored the spaces in the car park throughout the day and there was never less than 20 spaces available sometimes nearer thirty. Who were these empty spaces allocated too? Why didn't they turn up ? If it is supposed to be on a first come first served basis and I arrived first why should some other so  and so who couldn't be bothered to be there at the start or at all, be given priority?

And while I am in ranting mode - the catering this year after a significant improvement last, is simply appalling. The healthiest options seem to be hamburger ( with a roll so tough I nearly broke my tooth on it) crisps, chips or chocolate or a fried breakfast. No fruit,no home made cake as last year, and if you are lucky to acquire a sandwich(one left in the entire ground today at 1.00pm) that hasn't been frozen for the full four days you are fortunate. The likes of Leicester, Derby and Worcester can all produce a wide range of really good food at a competitive price why can't we?

Similar situation for me only I was there much earlier and was told the ten spaces allocated for members had been taken. After parking a way away and returning on foot it was clear the car park was still far from full and that was still the case before the lunch interval and again after the lunch interval. The was a small army of stewards keeping members from using these empty spaces.

Why is this Danny ?

Typical politicians answer from Starfish - totally dodged that question and talked about catering only!!

[DT]

This club is beginning to drive me up the wall. Arriving at 10.45 today I thought, with a small crowd in the offing, I would try to park in the 'new car park'. Despite there obviously being a large number of spaces available ( 21 at 11.15) I was told  the car park was full for members and was turned away. Sad case that I am, I monitored the spaces in the car park throughout the day and there was never less than 20 spaces available sometimes nearer thirty. Who were these empty spaces allocated too? Why didn't they turn up ? If it is supposed to be on a first come first served basis and I arrived first why should some other so  and so who couldn't be bothered to be there at the start or at all, be given priority?

And while I am in ranting mode - the catering this year after a significant improvement last, is simply appalling. The healthiest options seem to be hamburger ( with a roll so tough I nearly broke my tooth on it) crisps, chips or chocolate or a fried breakfast. No fruit,no home made cake as last year, and if you are lucky to acquire a sandwich(one left in the entire ground today at 1.00pm) that hasn't been frozen for the full four days you are fortunate. The likes of Leicester, Derby and Worcester can all produce a wide range of really good food at a competitive price why can't we?

The teams you mention I believe all do the catering themselves which is not only a cheaper option for the club to operate but thus offer good fresh food with a smile - of course you can bet that the club have never thought of doing this ourselves 

[Starfish]

Thanks, I can now respond regarding the parking. I did not answer that part at 3am like I did the catering matters as I needed to gather the facts.

We do need to make it clearer with regard car parking at the ground going forward and I will ensure we do this. Parking is limited, there is no getting away from that.

We have to allow spaces for a magnitude of reasons including:

- Premier Suite Members
- Disabled Members and guests
- Staff
- Players
- Officials
- Catering staff
- Committee
- Visiting Committee and officials
- ECB officials
- Media
- Player's families
- Contractors
- Visitors to the shop, reception or Essex Auto Group Graham Gooch Cricket Centre
- Visitors to offices


Please do let me know if we can offer anymore guidance on this. We obviously have Meteor Way available as much as possible. We continue to push the council for additional days but this would then require perm planning permission and the need to change from grass to tarmac at a very expensive cost.

Thanks, Danny

[Mick]

Thanks, I can now respond regarding the parking. I did not answer that part at 3am like I did the catering matters as I needed to gather the facts.

We do need to make it clearer with regard car parking at the ground going forward and I will ensure we do this. Parking is limited, there is no getting away from that.

We have to allow spaces for a magnitude of reasons including:

- Premier Suite Members
- Disabled Members and guests
- Staff
- Players
- Officials
- Catering staff
- Committee
- Visiting Committee and officials
- ECB officials
- Media
- Player's families
- Contractors
- Visitors to the shop, reception or Essex Auto Group Graham Gooch Cricket Centre
- Visitors to offices


Please do let me know if we can offer anymore guidance on this. We obviously have Meteor Way available as much as possible. We continue to push the council for additional days but this would then require perm planning permission and the need to change from grass to tarmac at a very expensive cost.

Thanks, Danny

I think people realise that space is limited but it is particularly irksome, especially to those less able to walk distances, to see large numbers of spaces remain empty all day !!

Perhaps I should say I'm visiting the shop next time?

Perhaps all those categories rated above members (i.e. just about everybody) could be required to apply for their places in advance; that way you'd know how many you have left for members.
If they apply and don't turn up without notification, they forfeit future spaces.

Not sure why an extra 8 days parking should suddenly require tarmac or, for that matter, planning permission.

[stickyboy]

The likes of Leicester, Derby and Worcester can all produce a wide range of really good food at a competitive price why can't we?

How can you say its not competitive. Had a very cheap sausage roll from one of the catering shops. £3.80 for it, outrageous!

[Mog]

In a few years time when, or indeed if the vanity project is ever delivered per its original 2008 plan, you will look back on the current parking situation with fond reminiscence.
The future at the County Ground may involve vying with each of the three hundred odd 'apartment' dwellers, with their two cars per household for a space in the proposed multi-storey car park, on a first-come first served basis. Imagine the scene, during a T20 evening for example. Those with what they believed was a guaranteed space will arrive home from work to find it full of ECCC members' vehicles, who will in turn have undoubtedly been surcharged for the privilege.
Perhaps it would be beneficial for the Club to review their stewarding levels to marshal the inevitable confrontations when these two groups clash.......just saying. It should add an extra ingredient to the "Fortress Chelmsford" Friday night experience.

Oh, New Writtle Street is unlikely to be gridlocked either..

[Andy]

In a few years time when, or indeed if the vanity project is ever delivered per its original 2008 plan, you will look back on the current parking situation with fond reminiscence.
The future at the County Ground may involve vying with each of the three hundred odd 'apartment' dwellers, with their two cars per household for a space in the proposed multi-storey car park, on a first-come first served basis. Imagine the scene, during a T20 evening for example. Those with what they believed was a guaranteed space will arrive home from work to find it full of ECCC members' vehicles, who will in turn have undoubtedly been surcharged for the privilege.
Perhaps it would be beneficial for the Club to review their stewarding levels to marshal the inevitable confrontations when these two groups clash.......just saying. It should add an extra ingredient to the "Fortress Chelmsford" Friday night experience.

Oh, New Writtle Street is unlikely to be gridlocked either..

By then, perhaps, the club will either have moved or gone bust.

[Valentines Park]

It should add an extra ingredient to the "Fortress Chelmsford" Friday night experience.

It would also make that ridiculous term valid for a change.

[Slogger]

My advice is to travel to the ground by public transport, bring your own beer and don't bother with T20 games