Pressure mounting over safety and transport concerns near new Everton stadium
Many female supporters are worried about walking alone to and from night games
Pressure is mounting for action to be taken amid criticism of transport links and safety around Everton's new stadium.
There was massive overcrowding at the stadium's nearest train station Sandhills after the first test event at Bramley Moore on Monday 17 February.
Concerns have also been raised by many fans on social media about the lack of lighting, particularly for female supporters walking alone to and from games.
Everton fan Laura Hebden said:
"All the pre-match transport information for the first test event was expecting fans to walk to and from town.
"Organisers need to understand how female fans would experience this walk. If they consulted with fan groups, they would have understood how dark it is and something that female fans simply wouldn't do alone.
"There needs to be much more lighting"
"The authorities need to consult with female fans and really listen to their concerns.
"There needs to be much more lighting along that road, the vegetation needs to be cut back or removed, there needs to be much more CCTV, and there needs to be advertisements of apps to ensure that women feel safe walking to and from the ground."
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has vowed to work with Everton, the council, and Merseyrail to address the concerns raised.
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said:
"The purpose of test events, like the one held on Monday, is to identify improvements and adjustments that can be made to ensure matchdays and large events progress smoothly and safely. These test events will be subject to a comprehensive review with all organisations and partners involved and we are very much listening to the feedback of fans to help identify key issues.
"We’ll continue working closely with partners at Merseyrail, Merseytravel and Everton FC and will keep fans fully updated as the work to deliver these improvements progresses."
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