People who live close to a football stadium may be expected to put up with chanting crowds, full pubs, and the smell of fried onions coming from a food truck during a major event.
However, the impending Women’s Euro 2022 finals have caused an unexpected annoyance for residents of one community.
A strange argument has started regarding bunting that was put up to mark the event in Leigh, Greater Manchester, which will host four Euro 2022 games this summer.
Residents of the town, which is home to the 7,800-seat Leigh Sports Village, complain that the noise produced by the tiny flags placed over the high street is “ear-bleeding.”
One company owner acknowledged that the accusation sounded absurd. But she claimed that for some, the obtrusive flags were a significant problem.
I know there are more pressing matters to be concerned about, but the noise is deafening. They are really noisy.
“I feel so bad for anyone who is neurodivergent; many autistic individuals can’t handle loudness like that; it might cause them to have meltdowns.”
I’m aware that I sound like Karen, but this is just my viewpoint.
National flags of the teams competing in the UEFA European Women’s Football Championship in 2022 can be seen on the decorations.
England and Austria will square off at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium tonight as the tournament gets underway.
The summer competition will feature four games in Leigh at the Leigh Sports Village.
However, the flags have caused a stir since some locals are annoyed by the noise they create in windy situations.
The noise, which is made by the plastic bunting flapping in the wind, has been characterized as sounding like rain is pelting down on the road.
Customers at an outside café close to the Leigh bus station, where flags have also been raised, complained that the noise interfered with their ability to enjoy their meals.
I believe they are only bothersome while you are seated and eating, remarked Lynn. It was clattering loudly. I wouldn’t have complained, though.
Another client claimed that while the noise had not alarmed her, she had overheard high-street store employees talking about them.
It’s okay for me because I can leave, she remarked.
Others, on the other hand, claim that the noise doesn’t affect them.
I’m thrilled that the Women’s Euros are coming to Leigh, said a different local business owner who wished to remain unnamed. “It’s good,” you say.
The argument is similar to the one caused by the vuvuzela during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, which divided opinion.
The instrument, a long plastic horn that has come to represent South African football, emits a low drone that served as the competition’s background music.
However, some fans started to associate it with frustration because they disliked the constant noise.
In 2014, the loud vuvuzela was replaced by Brazil’s “caxirola,” which received less attention.
Leigh High Street’s upkeep is the responsibility of Wigan Council, who has been approached for comment.