Liverpool FC's plans to permanently close Anfield Road to vehicles have sparked a divide among fans and residents, with local leaders accusing the club of damaging its relationship with the community.
The area between Alroy Road and Skerries Road has been closed for the past five years. A proposal to make the closure permanent went before Liverpool City Council's planning committee, which indicated it was minded to reject the changes.
Survey results show strong opposition
Consultation surveys issued during the application showed a lack of support. In September 2024, 66% of respondents were against the change, rising to 74% in March 2025 after a second questionnaire. Despite this, council officials recommended approval.
On Facebook, opinions were mixed. Gerard Thompson said: “The club has taken local residents for granted, probably since it stopped being a local club and it became a multi-billion pound business. But of course, such is the blind loyalty of many, the slightest criticism is beyond acceptable and we are usually told to move from the area if we don’t like it.”
Toni Stirrup supported the closure: “I’m fine with it so not all residents are against it. It feels safer.”
Club's safety arguments and community concerns
Sam Ryan, a planning consultant representing LFC for many years, said the area around the ground is owned by the club and a private highway was constructed during wider works. Delayed construction led to the extended closure. A safety audit concluded the road could reopen for vehicles with signage and markings, but given high visitor numbers and a “severe” terror threat, the closed section serves as a safe pedestrian route.
Michelle Phennah criticized the move: “Disgraceful they subject us to a lot daily as a resident. Road is not accessible for two-way traffic the way they have built it.” Ian Laffey disagreed: “I don’t see a problem with them pedestrianising part of Anfield Rd, Is safer and doesn’t block off any of the surrounding streets.”
Wayne Trimm noted a broken promise: “I live near the ground and one of the issues was it was agreed at the consultation with local residents when the plans were made for the stand that Anfield Road would re-open but as soon as it was built it was a case of we’re not opening it.” Paul Turnbull added: “Only with car users who hate having an extra two mins max added to their journey. Those of us I know who walk are pretty happy with it, it would be dangerous to make it a road again given the corners and lack of visibility.”
Next steps
Planning committee members voted to indicate they would be minded to reject the proposals on grounds of residential amenity, traffic flow, and environmental nuisance. The matter will go before the committee for a third and final time. The ECHO understands Liverpool FC is reserving comment until procedures are completed.
