NORTON - The Comcast Center is funding new police details to protect residents along Route 140 in Norton after several of them complained to town officials, Town Manager James Purcell said.

The concert venue's new - and later - opening times has caused "a real problem" with traffic along Route 140, Purcell told selectmen last week.

The Comcast Center is on Route 140 in Mansfield, just beyond the Norton line.

Police Chief Brian Clark was so concerned about the situation that he approached the town manager a few weeks ago, Purcell said.

Purcell said Clark told him, "If I don't get some relief here, I'm going to ask for some political help." Purcell said Clark has since asked him not to approach selectmen.

Clark also has spoken with Mansfield Police Chief Arthur O'Neill, Purcell said.

Last Wednesday's Warped Tour concert "seemed to work out well," thanks to the additional police officers, Purcell said. Before Purcell spoke, Selectman Robert Kimball Jr. suggested selectmen send a letter to Comcast Center General Manager Bruce Montgomery opposing the later gate openings.

Kimball said he noticed that a number of early fans at a recent show didn't know where to go, except for parking lots that were open at the time. "They should be warning people who are coming to these concerts that the gates are open at 'X' times," Kimball said.