CONCERNS about the impact of AFC Bournemouth's promotion to the Premier League on traffic and parking were raised at a council meeting on Tuesday.

While wishing the Cherries "the best of luck", Cllr Philip Stanley Watts asked what steps were being taken by the authority to help the club deal with such issues in the vicinity of Vitality Stadium.

Council leader John Beesley said with attendance already at maximum during the club's recent Championship season, no significant impact was expected.

"I hope that the whole of Bournemouth gets behind our football club who have done a lot as a community family club," said Cllr Stanley-Watts.

"As the club have never been in the Premier League a number of parking, traffic and safety issues have to be addressed.

"Could the cabinet member tell me how we as a council are helping the club on these issues?"

Cllr Beesley said the authority was already working closely with the club to mitigate against any issues arising from home games.

"Now the team are in the Premier League it is recognised that there will be more visitors to the town," said Cllr Beesley.

"However, the actual capacity in the ground is not materially changing and it is anticipated that a large number of visiting Premier League team supporters will be arriving by organised coach.

"Therefore, the impact of traffic coming to the ground and parking in the surrounding streets will not change very much from previous years."

He said the council's environment and transport panel had set up a special committee to look into the traffic and parking issue, which had been "raised on a regular basis during the football season" due to congestion and "inconsiderate" parking by visitors.

The council and club together operate the Safety Advisory Group which approves the event plan for home matches, and the authority puts in place temporary traffic regulation orders to maintain emergency access to the ground.

"I am sure that every member would join Cllr Stanley-Watts in wishing AFC Bournemouth all the very best for the forthcoming football season as we all recognise what a great achievement is has been for them to reach the Premier League," said Cllr Beesley.

"It is also an amazing opportunity for the town."