Liverpool FC accused of 'betrayal' in row over Anfield Road closure

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The Reds had hoped to permanently close Anfield Road to cars following the completion of work on the new stand at their stadiumLiverpool FC have been accused of a “betrayal of trust” with the community around Anfield after the brakes were put on their plans to permanently shut a road outside their ground to cars. The club had sought to make this change permanent in a somewhat fraught city council planning meeting at Liverpool Town Hall earlier today.Community leaders have pushed back on the plans, with some accusing the club of betraying the community in its hope to keep the road closed for good.

An application to change when the Reds can hold major concerts at Anfield has also been put on hold.Mark Worcester, planning agent on behalf of Liverpool FC, said: “Since permission was granted for the new Anfield Road stand, there’s been changes in circumstance relating in particular to the increased threat of attacks using hostile vehicles.” The changes were supported by Merseyside Police given the current national terror threat being rated as substantial.In their comments submitted within the planning report, it was cited how over the last decade there have been repeated instances in both the UK and Europe where terrorists have threatened or targeted road networks and highways. He took aim at the club’s approach to the road and the residents.Cllr Marrat said: “This is a complete betrayal of trust by LFC to local residents and the community in general.

Cllr Portia Fahey, who represents the neighbouring Everton North ward, said she backed the plans based on the adoption of improved terror planning in the form of Martyn’s Law but pointed out “deep flaws” with the proposal.She said: “Residents feel beholden to LFC, they feel their community is depleted and they are deprived of free movement due to the stadium being there.” Club sources told the LDRS they were mindful of opposition to the permanent closure of the road and were respectful of those viewpoints with LFC seeking to make the area more attractive and safer for residents, fans and visitors alike.Paul Cuttill, Liverpool FC chief operating officer, said he appreciated the feelings from members on the changes. Cllr Tom Cardwell, chair of the planning committee, was damning in his assessment of the club he supports.He said: “What we’re being presented with feels like a fait accompli, I think it’s less than ideal the way we’ve arrived at this situation and what I’d say to the people from Liverpool Football Club is what you hear today is a complete breakdown of trust between the community, the councillors and the club itself.