Everton fans with disabilities are in a state of trouble as access to matchdays at Hill Dickinson are becoming increasingly prominent.
Six months after the team first played at the venue, many Everton supporters have been full of praise for their new waterfront stadium thanks to its modern facilities and stadium architecture that brings fans closer to the game in a way that the Toffees’ old stadium, Goodison Park, was so renowned for.
The stadium was built with inclusivity in mind, with the concourses featuring high-tech connectivity and social spaces, while premium hospitality offerings have expanded to give fans more to enjoy on matchday.
Despite this, criticisms have arisen in the past few weeks from supporters admitting their concerns with stadium access, particularly supporters with disabilities.
Fans have complained of access to and from the grounds, with issues around parking for blue badge holders and taxi drop-off points being a good distance away from the stadium when cars could be dropped off outside Goodison.
Some fans are contemplating giving up their season tickets they’ve held for decades due to the difficulties they face on matchdays.
Transport to the stadium is still a work in progress, but with only one train station within walking distance (Sandhills), it creates problems for those unable to walk the 1.5 miles, approximately a 20-minute walk.
Roads close to the stadium like Waterloo and Regent Road close two hours before kick-off and leave supporters having to walk at least 20 minutes to and from games.
For some long-term supporters, these challenges are causing serious frustration.
John Roberts, 77, who has held a season ticket for 20 years, said:
“I was excited to visit the new ground. It’s obviously frustrating, it’s a beautiful stadium but it wasn’t built for people with blue badges”.
He described the taxi pick-up and drop-off restrictions issue, having to walk a “painful 20 minutes to get into the taxi”.
Barry Harrison, 85, who had a season ticket from 1966 up until last season, said the walk from Sandhills nearly killed him, and is thinking of chucking his ticket in.
Public transport options remain limited, with Sandhills taking in an average of 16,000 passengers on matchdays, and a further 7,000 being on shuttlebuses, a record from last night’s game against Bournemouth.
Plans for a £25 million investment at Sandhills aim to expand the queuing area outside the station and improve access.
Another issue fans have raised concern about regards the increase in midweek and evening fixtures.
Shiela from Crosby, speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside said: “My husband’s a season ticket holder, and because of these night games that are getting continuous now, getting home at night is a nightmare.
“Picking him up, every road around the ground is blocked off and I don’t understand why.
“At Goodison, it was only Goodison Road that was blocked off, which allowed traffic to flow freely.”
Last night saw another defeat at home for the Toffees as Bournemouth came from behind to win 2-1, as Everton face Manchester United at home on Monday February 23rd to see if they can win at home for the first time since December 6th.
Bournemouth punish Barry’s blunders as 10-man Everton falter 2-1 at home
(featured image – image credit: Jack Dane).
