Everton stadium parking plan 'frustrating' for firms

A plan for restricted parking around Everton's new stadium will be "frustrating" for local businesses, a Liverpool company owner has said.

The city council is consulting on a parking permit scheme affecting roads within a 30-minute walk from the stadium site at Bramley Moore Dock. Businesses will be charged an annual fee of £50 per vehicle, allowing a maximum of 10 vehicles per firm.

Fraser Smith, managing director of Downland Bedding on Blackstock Street, said his employees commute by car at unsociable hours and public transport is "non existent" in the area.

Liverpool City Council said a consultation was under way and urged people to be in touch with their feedback.

Mr Smith said: "We operate shifts, we work seven days a week, we are working 24 hours a day.

"In the textile industry lots of our employees are female.

"They have to go home sometimes at 10 o'clock at night and all of those drive. What are they going to do, walk into town?

"We don't see many police officers in the area so they're not going to do that, and I wouldn't want them to do that."

He said it was "a very frustrating situation" which would lead to issues with retaining staff and called on the council to support local businesses.

"One of the main points is that it affects the businesses that are established and are employing people all year round for what essentially is 23 [match] days a year at Everton stadium, it doesn't seem right."

In a statement from Liverpool City Council said: "We know people and business have raised concerns and question regarding this parking scheme.

"Our key message is to ask them to have their say officially, so their feedback can be officially logged and looked into."

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