The Everton Fan Advisory Board (FAB) has called for “significant improvement” at Sandhills station, urging that current proposals be “revisited urgently” with greater focus on shelter, facilities, accessibility and queue management.
The call follows a row over the station that serves Hill Dickinson Stadium, after senior councillors this week apologised for comparing Sandhills to Nazi Germany. Merseyrail had asked Liverpool Council to approve plans extending the queuing area used by fans, but concerns raised by planning committee members last week led to the proposals being put on hold.
A full site visit will now take place to assess the application before a final decision is made.
Proposals and concerns
Daniel Hopkins, presenting to the committee on behalf of Merseyrail, said test events at the station and stadium showed “it was clear there was a requirement for improvements to safety in that capacity and some of the facilities we have there.” Existing Merseytravel land would be used to extend “corralling zones” along the strip between Dunes Way and the existing station ramp to the footbridge.
Mr Hopkins said the current arrangement left passengers vulnerable on the pavement queuing outside the station. However, the extended area would remain uncovered, which one city councillor called a “glaring omission.”
The FAB echoed that view, stating: “The development of Hill Dickinson Stadium was no secret. It was planned and constructed over several years, and the challenge of moving tens of thousands of supporters to and from Liverpool’s waterfront was entirely foreseeable. Supporters therefore have every right to expect local authorities and transport providers to work together with urgency to deliver the best possible solution.”
Supporter experience
The group said its priority is “to ensure the safeguarding of our fans who are vulnerable, younger, female, or have disabilities.” While an entirely new station “may not be realistic,” it could not mean “accepting the status quo.”
They wrote: “There remains a clear opportunity to make Sandhills more efficient, resilient and, crucially, more comfortable for the thousands of supporters who use it before and after every home game. The concern repeatedly raised with us is not simply the length of the wait, but the conditions in which supporters are asked to wait, particularly during the winter months.”
“Exposure to wind, rain and cold in December or January is very different to the experience in August. We therefore believe the current proposals should be revisited urgently, with greater consideration given to shelter, facilities, accessibility, queue management and the overall supporter experience.”
Officials praised Merseyrail staff at Sandhills, who they said “work hard in challenging circumstances and engage positively with supporters.” While the average wait time of 20 minutes was compared favourably with other football stations, the FAB said: “That does not mean the existing facilities are good enough.”
Official response
In a letter to Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, the FAB said it was important to ensure upgrades were fitting for the stadium the station serves, adding: “After years of planning and a full season of understanding how Sandhills operates with Hill Dickinson Stadium at capacity, there should now be sufficient evidence to deliver a solution that is safe, practical and befitting of a major city and a world-class sporting venue.”
Mr Rotheram and Liverpool Council leader Liam Robinson wrote back, noting that for Sunday fixtures, 41 additional trains are provided compared with the standard timetable, creating almost 17,000 extra passenger spaces. For Saturday 3pm fixtures, nine additional trains are operated, creating 4,374 additional spaces.
The pair said: “We agree with you that the matchday experience can and should continue to improve. Nobody enjoys standing in a queue after a football match, particularly during poor weather.” The Labour leaders said the proposals would increase queuing space by around 70%, creating capacity for an additional 3,500 fans.
They added: “As Mayor of the Liverpool City Region and Leader of Liverpool Council respectively, we will continue working with Everton Football Club, Merseyrail, Merseyside Police, the British Transport Police, Network Rail, supporter representatives and all other relevant partners to ensure those improvements are delivered. Everton fans deserve nothing less.”
