Racecourse car park plan for new football stadiums

Aug 1 2007 by Larry Neild, Liverpool Daily Post

A HUGE park-and-ride scheme based at Aintree Racecourse could provide a solution to transport problems for Liverpool and Everton FC’s new stadiums.

Transport chief Neil Scales last night confirmed that talks were under way with the owners of the racecourse about basing a major park-and-ride service at Aintree.

It could mean thousands of motorists leaving their cars at the course and heading in shuttle buses to the stadia, easing traffic problems around the two grounds.

Mr Scales, chief executive of Merseytravel, says the park-and-ride scheme is one of a number of major solutions proposed to ease matchday parking problems across North Merseyside.

With the course used for racing on only on a small number of days a year, it would avert gridlock in the main roads around the area. The course is within easy reach of both the M58 and M57 motorways.

Other schemes which could help carry supporters to the proposed new grounds could also include restoring the Merseytram Line 1 project from Liverpool to Kirkby, using the potential arrival of Everton FC in the town as a catalyst.

The existing Merseyrail electrified line is also to be extended by about a mile to serve Tower Hill, with a new railway station within walking distance of the new ground, should it be built.

The Merseytravel plan also envisages a major new transport interchange close to Kirkby town centre. New user-friendly cycle and walkways will also be developed.

Last night Mr Scales said: “I cannot be drawn into the debate about whether Everton should or should not move to Kirkby. However we see major improvements taking place across North Merseyside as part of the regeneration of the area.

“Of course a firm decision by Everton to move will change matters and will give impetus to the regeneration and improved transport links. We are already involved in talks with council officials in Liverpool and Knowsley about transportation.”

Around 38,000 Everton fans will vote this month on the crucial ballot which will decide whether the move to Kirkby goes ahead.

OPINION: PAGE 12

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