BBC News, North East and Cumbria
SuppliedA men’s mental health charity will be moving over concerns that upcoming parking charges could push people away.
Andy’s Man Club has been holding weekly sessions at the Beacon of Light, near Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light, for about three years, with up to 40 people attending each event.
North East lead for the charity Michael Chapplow said it was “the best venue” in Sunderland for the group, but added he was worried new charges being introduced at stadium car parks later this month would be a “barrier” to members.
The Beacon of Light said it was sad to see the group leave. Sunderland AFC has been approached for a comment.
The football club had said in its announcement of the tariffs, which come into effect on 26 August, that they were “considerably lower than other city centre options”.
Visitors parking for between two and four hours will have to pay £4.
A stay of between four and eight hours will cost £8, while a 24-hour session will be priced at £10. A monthly season ticket is available for £30.
All stadium car parks would remain free of charge for visitors spending less than two hours on site, which meant most Beacon users would not be affected, the community hub said.
GoogleMr Chapplow, 37, said while Andy’s Man Club sessions lasted about two hours, people usually arrived earlier.
“You don’t want that worry, that you’re having to clock-watch all the time,” he said.
“It’s a barrier we want to avoid.”
The group has been searching for an alternative home ahead of the charges coming into force and a new venue is set to be announced.
“It’s upsetting and it’s a bit disappointing, but I still to an extent understand that parking charges happen in all cities, so it was always inevitable,” Mr Chapplow said.
A spokesperson for the Beacon of Light said: “We are sad to see Andy’s Man Club leave our community, especially as we were proud to partner with them on being the first club of its kind in Sunderland.
“The Beacon of Light continues to offer an inclusive, safe, space for everyone. Andy’s Man Club, and all our partner groups, will always be welcome here.”