We live in shadow of Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge… we know what’s happened before it’s on TV but there’s a downside

RESIDENTS near Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground are welcoming the return of top-flight football next weekend.

Businesses are glad the footy is back too as they make more cash when the Blues are in town.

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Residents living next to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge have revealed the pros and cons of living next to the stadium[/caption]

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Guy Eastman, 67, said he paid £3million less because they slashed the house prices nearest to the ground[/caption]

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Era Mataj, 40, who owns Bruschetta Italian Restaurant, estimated that she could survive on match days alone[/caption]

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Andrew Daniels, 63, is an Arsenal supporter who lives right next to Stamford Bridge[/caption]

Guy Eastman said his home in a posh postcode costs considerably less than elsewhere in west London – because it’s by the Bridge.

The 67-year-old, who has lived by the ground with his wife for 30 years, said: “You get a Chelsea lifestyle for £3 million less- because they slash the prices as you’re near the football grounds.

“This is a lovely street. Great architecture, nice gardens. But they’re half the price than those in SW10 just because you’re near the stadium.

“It’s one of the reasons we’ve been here so long.”

Discussing what it’s like to live so close to Chelsea’s home on match day, Mr Eastman said: “Things do get busy before – around two to three hours before kickoff.

“After, sometimes there is the odd drunken group who sing loudly but it’s rare. Most disperse quite quickly.

“Something that happens a lot is wealthy guys park their Bentleys and their Rolls-Royces in the street.

“They’re not supposed to do that – but you just live with it if you live here.”

Daniel Watkins, 28, also felt that living by Stamford Bridge was a positive thing.

The estate agent, who has lived in the area for six months, said: “I’ve never had any problems. It’s actually quite fun.

“When Chelsea score, I can hear it and I know what’s happened – and when they win, it’s a brilliant vibe.

“The police have been great – they funnel everyone straight to Fulham Broadway tube and close our road so no one can come up it.

“I really haven’t had any bad experiences.

“And I think if you’re going to live in this area, you know what you’re getting yourself in for. Everyone knows about the football ground.”

Abs, 31, whose home is mere metres from the grounds, also hasn’t had any issues.

He said: “You know it’s going to be noisy when you move in. But to be honest, it’s nowhere near as bad as I expected.

“When matches are on there’s a lot of security so I’m never worried about safety or my home.

“I’ve never had trouble with fans and the police are really good anyway.

“So yeah, I’m not bothered at all by it.”

Meanwhile, other residents see living near the grounds as an opportunity for fun.

Andrew Daniels, 63, who has been living next to Stamford Bridge for five years, said: “I’m an Arsenal fan so I do have fun winding the Chelsea fans up.

“My flat overlooks where people enter the stadium so I hang two Arsenal shirts in my window.

“It’s quite funny because people can get aggy. But I just show them the middle finger.”

For businesses in the area, match days bring in lots of extra cash.

Era Mataj, who owns Bruschetta Italian Restaurant, estimated that she could survive on match days alone – even with the added costs she forks out for.

The 40-year-old explained: “I get security to come three hours before the game, during the game, and for three hours after the game too.

“It definitely is an added expense – but match days bring in so much money that it’s worth it. If I only opened on match days, I would have enough to keep the business alive.”

Ms Mataj said she has generally had good experiences on match days – although she did admit that she tries to keep fans from opposing teams apart.

She explained: “Generally, I’ve had really good experiences. The fans are nice, they’re always lively and happy.

“I do try to only have Chelsea fans in here if I can though, just to avoid any arguments. I know some people have had bad experiences when Chelsea and Leeds fans get together.

“But in my time here, I’ve only had one real incident. And even he was nice to me.

“A Chelsea fan smashed his head through my glass door. I said, ‘What are you doing?’ And he said, ‘I’m sorry. I’m so sad Chelsea lost.’ And I said, ‘Don’t worry! They’ll win next time’.”

It comes after a homeowner living next to a world-famous football stadium explained why match days are a nightmare.

And residents living next to a Premier League club’s training ground revealed that they’re fed up with the loud music and swearing.

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Daniel Watkins, 28, lives opposite Stamford Bridge[/caption]