Liverpool FC has been accused of a “betrayal of trust” by community leaders after the club sought to make permanent the closure of a section of Anfield Road to vehicles. The road, between Alroy Road and Skerries Road, was initially shut in summer 2021 for construction of the expanded Anfield Road stand, completed in 2024. While pedestrians and cyclists have access, cars have been barred for five years. The club’s application to make this permanent was debated at a Liverpool City Council planning meeting on June 30, 2026.
Community Backlash and Accusations of Betrayal
Councillor Billy Marrat, representing Anfield ward, described the move as a “complete betrayal of trust by LFC to local residents and the community in general.” He claimed the club never intended to restore traffic flow, instead seeking a pedestrianised area for tourists and fans. Consultations showed strong opposition: 66% against in September 2024, rising to 74% in March 2025.
Councillor Lena Simic echoed this, stating: “Residents have accepted years of disruption because they were assured on multiple times that once construction was completed the replacement road would be reopened to vehicles on non-match and non-event days. That never happened. That is why residents feel betrayed.”
Security Justifications and Police Support
Mark Worcester, planning agent for Liverpool FC, cited increased threats of hostile vehicle attacks, noting changes in circumstance since the original stand permission. The application was supported by Merseyside Police, given the national terror threat rated as substantial. Planning documents referenced repeated terrorist incidents targeting road networks in the UK and Europe over the past decade.
Paul Cuttill, Liverpool FC chief operating officer, acknowledged the changed intentions: “The world does change and at the point when we went into this, our intention was to reopen the road in its current form. However, it was felt we should revisit the use of that area to make sure it was correct for both the club and the community. Security challenges were and are a major part of the reason for us to bring this application.”
Traffic Impact and Resident Concerns
Councillor Marrat argued that alternative routes around Anfield were causing “chaos,” but Mr Worcester stated that traffic patterns had become “well established” and journey times increased by only one minute. Vehicles typically divert onto Walton Lane, Priory Road and Arkles Lane.
Councillor Portia Fahey from Everton North ward backed the plans based on improved terror planning under Martyn’s Law but noted “deep flaws,” adding: “Residents feel beholden to LFC, they feel their community is depleted and they are deprived of free movement due to the stadium being there.”
Planning Committee Deferral and Call for Rebuilding Trust
Felicity Collins, principal planning officer, recommended approval, assessing no detriment to residents. However, committee chair Councillor Tom Cardwell, a Liverpool FC supporter, was critical: “What we’re being presented with feels like a fait accompli. What you hear today is a complete breakdown of trust between the community, the councillors and the club itself. Please go back to Liverpool Football Club and say you’ve really got to do some very serious consideration and work here. These people are your neighbours. You share Anfield with the people who live there and you need to develop a shared understanding of how you use that shared space.”
The committee deferred the application for a site visit. Liverpool FC declined to comment on the decision.
