One part of Liverpool that is “overwhelmed” by traffic congestion must receive a “meaningful portion” of a huge transport settlement, it has been argued.
Ahead of last Wednesday’s landmark spending review, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed a £1.6 billion transport boost for the Liverpool City Region.
This will include £100m for three new bus rapid transit routes. The Liverpool City Region cash will also be spent on a brand-new fleet of buses that will form part of the region’s soon-to-be franchised bus network.
Ahead of this huge financial injection, calls have been made for the funding to be invested across the city region. Cllr Joe Dunne, who represents the Tuebrook Breckside Park ward, said the new funding “offers an unprecedented opportunity to address long-standing issues in neighbourhoods like ours”.
As part of the £100m rapid transport investment, Anfield stadium would be included on a dedicated route which would also serve Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock and Liverpool Airport.
Cllr Dunne said the community around Tuebrook faces issues that “intensify significantly” during matchdays, with West Derby Road, which goes through the heart of the area, a well-used route to the stadium.
Writing to Andrew Lewis, Liverpool Council chief executive, and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Cllr Dunne said the cash must be spent in areas like his own, not just the city centre. He said, “Following the Chancellor’s announcement of the historic £1.6 billion transport settlement for the Liverpool City Region, I am writing to urge that a meaningful portion of this funding be directed towards improving transport and infrastructure provision in Tuebrook – a community that continues to bear the brunt of regional events without receiving proportional investment.
“Tuebrook is frequently overwhelmed by traffic congestion, disrupted bus services, unsafe walking routes, and pressure on local amenities – issues that intensify significantly during Liverpool Football Club matchdays and concerts. While we all welcome the club’s growth and success, it must be recognised that the local area is paying a high price for this expansion.”
Cllr Dunne added how he wanted officials to ensure that Tuebrook is “not overlooked, in transport and infrastructure planning” and called upon leaders to prioritise the area for investment, particularly around bus capacity and cycling infrastructure.
He also called for traffic mitigation measures to ease the impact of major events at Anfield on roads and residents.
The Liberal Party member added, “Tuebrook deserves its fair share – not just in transport funding, but in long-term planning that respects and supports the communities closest to the club and the stadium.”