A select group of Everton fans were able to experience the club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in the first test event at the new ground. 

10,000 Everton fans attended Everton under-18s’ fixture against Wigan Athletic under-18s in the first game at the stadium.

The test event was widely regarded as a success.

However, Everton fans have voiced concerns over transport links to and from the ground.

Some fans took to social media after the game to shares their experiences of travelling to and from the ground. Everton fans faced crowded platforms and train services.

There were also limited options for disabled parking near the ground.

This prompted supporters group, Everton Fans’ Forum to issue an open letter to the Liverpool Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, and the city council calling for improvements.

Mr. Rotheram has provided a response to the open letter. He has promised to engage with the club, council and supporters to address the concerns raised.

Fan photo from outside of Bramley Moore
Outside Bramley Moore Dock Stadium before the first test match. Credit: Kieron Osborne

Steve Rotheram responds to Everton Fans’ Forum Open Letter

In a post on social media site, X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Rotheram provided a response to the open letter. He committed to opening dialogue with the different stakeholder groups involved.

He said: “My office will are in touch with Everton Fans’ Forum to set up a meeting and we’ll work with EFC, the council and Merseyrail to provide a proper response to the concerns raised below.

“Fans’ voices are an important part of that process and I always welcome feedback and conversations with fan groups to help us shape things.

“We’re committed to making travel to and from Bramley Moore as safe and efficient as can be.

Fans group calls for action over Bramley-Moore Dock transport links

The Everton Fans’ Forum issued their open letter to the Mayor’s office and the council on the day after the test event. They provided several points of feedback on transport links to the ground.

Access to disabled parking, the impact of road closures around the ground on local businesses, the transport facilities and overcrowding at Sandhills station were all raised as issues experienced by fans.

“Over the last week and especially after the first test event at our new home on Bramley Moore Dock, we have been inundated with feedback on the car parking situation and the management of Sandhills train station post game,” the letter states.

 

“We now openly as Liverpool Council (LCC) to listen and give us comments on why their road closures, and more importantly, the lack of decision making on Blue Badge parking closer to the stadium has been ignored.

“The Everton Disabled Supporters Association has been chasing us for information for several weeks now, sadly the council seem to think this was not an important issue before last night’s event.”

Merseysportlive contacted the Everton Fans’ Forum for further comment. However, they confirmed they make no statement until they have agreed next steps with the Mayor’s office and Liverpool City Council.

Featured image provided by Kieran Osborne and Rodhullandemu via WikiCommons.

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