Living next to a football ground may seem like a dream for die-hard fans, but for residents near Boscombe's Vitality Stadium, it's a different story. Instead of boisterous crowds, locals are complaining about a haunting whistling sound that keeps them up at night. But that's not the only issue plaguing the neighborhood. From parking nightmares to noisy seagulls, here's a glimpse into the not-so-whimsical reality of living near AFC Bournemouth's stadium.

A Haunting Sound That Won't Quit

Andrew Martin, an NHS worker and resident, describes the persistent whistling sound as "a jet taking off." He believes the sound is caused by one of the club's lights, which were installed for HD broadcasts on Sky when Bournemouth was promoted. Despite the annoyance, residents have had to get used to it, as it seems to be an easy fix that the stadium has yet to address.

Parking Nightmares and Traffic Woes

Living near the stadium means dealing with parking nightmares and heavy traffic, especially on match days. Two-minute trips can turn into hour-long excursions, and parking wardens are quick to hand out tickets when residents and visitors mistakenly assume they can park on the street during certain hours. Some residents have even resorted to putting their bins on the street to encourage fans to dispose of their cans and bottles properly.

Nesting Seagulls and Uninvited Guests

Locals have to contend with more than just noise and traffic. Nesting seagulls have made the stadium their home, creating a noisy atmosphere that can be unbearable. And it's not just the gulls—football fans have been spotted standing on nearby walls to catch a glimpse of the game from outside the stadium. These "wall dwellers" became particularly numerous during a pre-season friendly against Real Madrid, where everyone wanted to see Ronaldo in action.

A Treasure Trove of Litter

After every match, residents are left to deal with the aftermath of littering around the stadium. Broken bottles and rubbish are a common sight, with some areas becoming hotspots for discarded items. Despite attempts by the club to reduce litter, residents believe more should be done to keep the area clean and free from broken glass.

Entrepreneurial Solutions

While some residents are frustrated by the parking restrictions, others have found a way to turn a profit. At least 10 locals rent out their driveways to fans and visitors, charging up to £22.50 for nearly six hours of parking. One resident even lets his driveway to a "rich guy" for the entire season. Another resident, Alice Neale, charges £10 for parking on match days, making a tidy sum from the demand.

Watching the Game with a Delay

For those watching the games from their living rooms, there's an annoying twist—a lag of 10 to 15 seconds between what happens on the pitch and what appears on the TV. This means residents can often hear if their opponents have scored before it's shown on their screens.

Living next to AFC Bournemouth's stadium may have its perks, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From haunting sounds to parking woes and litter troubles, the reality of living near the stadium is far from whimsical. But for some residents, the occasional noise is a small price to pay for the excitement and community spirit that comes with being near their beloved "Cherries."