'Match day road closures are costing me thousands'

31 minutes ago

Tom Dunn & Jenny ColemanBBC News, Liverpool

A gym owner has criticised what he said was a lack of communication about road closures when Everton play at the club's new Hill Dickinson stadium, resulting in his business being hit.

Henry Cookey, who runs the HC Fit Ninja Training gym, said council officials had not contacted him and several other nearby businesses to detail which roads would be closed and at what times.

He said he had lost thousands of pounds as prospective clients have been put off by the blocked roads and subsequent "traffic chaos" on match days.

Liverpool City Council said the authority was continuing to work "to look at emerging issues following each match and take on board feedback from local businesses and residents".

Mr Cookey, who opened his gym eight years ago, said the only two roads which lead to his gym on Birchall Street are now closed on match days.

"You couldn't get in from either side," he said.

Mr Cookey said only three people, out of the usual 15, made it to his gym on the morning of the first home game and nobody came in the afternoon.

"It's a big chunk of business considering every other week there is a home game," he said.

"I just think it's been so poorly handled. All the problems that we've been saying we're going to happen for years, nothing seems to have been done about them."

John Boyce, who runs Tilly Hire on Boundary Street, also said congestion in the area was having a big impact.

"We were told that the stadium will help regenerate the area but we are seeing new businesses around here suffering," he said.

"I've been here for 40 years but the newer businesses which have set up are really being hit.

"People just don't want to come down here on match days now.

"The parking is a worry for people visiting and the congestion and road closures are putting people off."

Liverpool City Council said match-day road closures were managed by Everton Football Club.

A spokesman said: "Sandhills Lane and Bank Hall Lane have been closed for the test events and the two games this season, and those roads and some others will continue to be closed going forward during matches as part of the event management plan and to facilitate the smooth operation of Sandhills station.

"We're continuing to work with our partners to look at emerging issues following each match and take on board feedback from local businesses and residents."

Information on matchday road closures are available on the Everton FC website.

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