Local businesses warn of growing “nightmare” around Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on matchdays

Everton's move to Hill Dickinson Stadium has transformed the club's matchday experience, but the impact on businesses around the waterfront has been far less positive.

With another season of parking restrictions ahead, some local operators say the changes have created serious challenges for their businesses.

Hill Dickinson Stadium has harmed local businesses

Liverpool Council introduced sweeping parking restrictions around the new stadium last season, with more than 4,000 residents and 3,000 businesses affected by an Experimental Traffic Order.

The measures were designed to manage traffic and parking on Everton matchdays, but businesses in the area have claimed they have paid a heavy price as a result.

Henry Cookey, who ran HC:Fit Ninja Training from a unit on Birchall Street for nine years, has now relocated further away after the restrictions became increasingly difficult to deal with.

“The biggest issue was around the roads,” Cookey told the Liverpool Echo, explaining that he had reached the point where he no longer believed remaining at the location was worthwhile.

Aughton Engineering Supplies owner Bryan Deakin has also described the situation as a “nightmare”, claiming his business has suffered from failed deliveries and a significant drop in turnover.

He said his figures had fallen by around half compared with the previous year and that staff hours had been reduced as he attempts to keep the business operating.

The council has since relaxed some restrictions on non-event days, introduced additional parking bays and installed blue badge spaces on Regent Road.

However, event-day restrictions remain, with drivers in some areas required to leave within two hours.

The council is still considering whether the experimental measures should eventually become permanent.

FGG says: Needs to be a compromise between Everton and local businesses

The restrictions are understandable given the huge crowds now attending Hill Dickinson Stadium, but businesses cannot simply be collateral damage of Everton's move.

Finding the balance will be difficult, particularly with more events expected at the stadium, but the council needs to keep listening to businesses and adjust the system where possible.

The new venue should also benefit the surrounding area, not leave established businesses questioning whether they can survive.