Wolves fans unfazed by Molineux road closures amid new safety measures

The implementation of the new safety measures meant the routes immediately surrounding the ground were blocked off from 4pm - 90 minutes prior to kick off - with supporters urged to arrive earlier than normal.

Waterloo Road was closed from the roundabout near Asda up to Newhampton Road East, Molineux Street was shut up to the junction with Camp Street and Sir Jack Hayward Way while Whitmore Hill was blocked off from 4.30pm.

The routes remained shut for up to 30 minutes after full time as fans battled to get away from the ground.

Most of the supporters we spoke to en-route to the match reported little, if any, disruption to their normal routine and described the measures as a 'good idea'.

Newhampton Road East naturally saw more traffic although motorists bypassing the Molineux were able to divert back on to the Waterloo Road without too much trouble.

There were a few bemused looking drivers, including taxi drivers, who came to an abrupt halt on Sir Jack Hayward Way but a lot of people used Asda, as well as the supermarket bus stop, as a natural drop-off and turnaround point.

Some supporters welcomed the fact they did not have to dodge traffic while crossing Waterloo Road anymore.

Martin Tibbitts, aged 52 and from Cannock, said: "I came down Stafford Road and parked off there so it has not made a difference to me.

"I do think it is a good idea especially for the big games like this one, but I don't know why they have closed Waterloo Road, there doesn't seem to be much point."

Marion Long, aged 73, from Tettenhall, said: "I think it is fabulous. It is great to be able to walk across Waterloo Road without any cars going past.

"We usually get the bus in but we drove here today. The closures haven't caused us any problems."

Tim Bourne, aged 45, from Tividale, said: "I guessed it was something to do with terrorism, although probably not any specific threat to here but I wasn't sure.

"I know it is a difficult thing to talk about when you don't want to panic people but I think they (Wolves) should have come out and explained the reasons a bit more.

"A few people may moan about it but it is better to be safe than sorry."

Dean Barnfield, aged 45, from Tividale, said: "Some people might not like the idea but personally I think it is a good idea. If it keeps people feeling safe that is the most important thing. Although a few groups are concerned about being held back after the game."

Brian Crawford, aged 67, from Essington, said: "I am surprised really, I thought they (road closures) would have made things much worse. They are probably a good idea the way things are today you never know if something might happen."

Those who had parked in the car parks surrounding the Molineux faced additional delays after the contest due to the closures - although the wait was no doubt eased by the two-nil victory over the neighbours.

Reaction to the measures was more mixed among those jostling to get out of the Whitmore Hill car park.

Lee Gill, aged 41, from Shifnal, said: "I think they are brilliant. It has worked very well. I got here today without any drama. I think people have just got to get used it. It helps when the Wolves are winning obviously.

"It is bedlam here anyway. It is just something they have got to do.

"But the club has gone about it the right way. We were all told about it in advance, I have had a text from them today. They can't do any more."

While Tony Coates, aged 72, from Cannock, described the closures as 'rubbish' and 'unnecessary'.

David Stanley, aged 76, from Wheaton Aston, said: "I can understand why they have done it.

"I sometimes wish they would close the top car park and let this one go first because it is bigger, or at least alternate it.

"It normally takes half an hour to get out of here anyway. It is 8 'o' clock now and I'm still sitting here."

While two St. John Ambulance volunteers Kate Watson and Jacqui Badger, accepted the reason for the closures but called for attendants to help direct traffic out of the car park.

Ms Badger said: "They need somebody on here organising the cars to get off. The cars get very close to each other wrestling to get in. There was nearly a fight here the other week."

Ms Watson added: "It is a sign of the times, it only takes one nutter to come driving up in a car. All the attacks recently have been at venues like this.

"We also work at the civic and our families do get worried."

One scout in the smaller car park at the top of Whitmore Hill who did not wish to be named, was incensed claiming no-one had informed him in advance of the closures.

He said: "It is disgraceful, absolutely disgusting.

"I did not know until I got here that the roads were closed.

"They are telling me they won't open the gates until 8pm now. I have got 140 miles to get home. By the time I get out the roads will be chocablock.

"It is disgusting."