The next phase of work is to begin on Walton Breck Road leaving Jo Ikin fearful she won't be able to get out
Jo Ikin is afraid she will be ''trapped for nine months'' as Anfield works begin
Jo Ikin is afraid she will be ''trapped for months'' as Anfield works begin(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
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A disabled woman who relies on her car for vital tasks fears she could be trapped in her home for months amid major roadworks on a key Liverpool network. Jo Ikin has lived in a supported living flat on Walton Breck Road since 2005.
It was revealed earlier this year how Liverpool Council is to undertake a series of projects to breathe new life into the highway as it seeks to make Anfield “a model for urban regeneration” and significant transformation, which was marked by the clearance of dilapidated Victorian terraces 20 years ago.
An initial tranche of improvements began in May as minor repairs are being carried out along the stretch that runs past Liverpool FC’s historic stadium.
Jo, 58, fears that as work begins at the start of August she could be trapped inside her home for months as the city council and contractors ask for vehicles to be moved from the highway.
She told the ECHO how parking on a side street isn’t feasible given her disabilities.
All work is due to be completed in spring next year. Highways enhancements, new bus stops and pedestrian facilities, and modernised utility pipes are part of a multi-million pound investment.
The city council said each project will overlap or follow immediately after the other, to complete the work as one collaborative project, rather than multiple visits months apart. The third phase will begin in August, with resurfaced roads and footpaths, upgraded pedestrian crossings and enhanced bus stop facilities.
Jo Ikin is afraid she will be ''trapped for nine months'' as Anfield works begin
Jo Ikin is afraid she will be ''trapped for months'' as Anfield works begin(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
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This struck fear into Jo when she found out what was coming. She said: “I have a severe disability and rely entirely on my Motability car for independence. Even with my rollator, I can only walk a very short distance.
“If I cannot park near my home, I will be completely trapped indoors once the work starts. The closest bus stop to me is near the stadium.”
Jo has suffered from severe arthritis and fibromyalgia for the past 10 years, which limits her mobility. She said not being able to access her car would put her ability to attend vital events for socialising at risk.
She added: “I help at the church, I need to go and get food, I won’t be able to do that. I have the nurses come in and see me for an hour a day to care for me but that’s it.
Roadworks in Anfield
Roadworks in Anfield(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
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“We went to a consultation event and the people there didn’t even know it had to be fully cleared. My car is essential, I won’t be able to get out without it.”
Almost £4 million has been invested in the works and the final design has been created in partnership with the community through a series of consultation events. Jo said getting out to socialise is “the thing that keeps me sane” and said she was “petrified” she’d be left without human contact.
She added: “I’m trying to do the right thing by volunteering and I’m not going to be able to do any of that. I’m really scared I’m going to be virtually housebound for months.
“I can’t just walk to a side street, for me that’s a 10 minute walk.” A Liverpool Council spokesperson said: “A small number of residents will not be able to park outside of their homes for approximately six weeks during the start of the improvement works along Walton Breck Road.
“We appreciate that this may cause difficulties for some residents. During this time, resident permit holders may park elsewhere within permit zones while adhering to the zone restrictions.
“We are working with residents to identify temporary additional parking spaces, and all affected properties will be visited by the neighbourhood’s team over the coming days to provide further advice and support.”