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Calls are growing for a new Merseyrail train station to be built in Anfield, serving Liverpool FC's home ground - and it could actually happen.

With major music concerts set to add to the regular football matches being held at the famous ground, consensus is growing that a new station in the area is needed to benefit a wide range of people.

Fans will find it easier to get to and from matches and concert goers will have easy access to get back to the city centre and further afield if plans are brought forward.

One group who could particularly benefit from a new Anfield station are those who live closest to the stadium.

Last year, local residents caused a major shock when their objections to the club's plans led to the council rejecting them and telling the Reds to bring back a better application.

Neighbours complained about a lack of consultation and raised issues of anti-social behaviour, noise and parking that they said they had brought up before only to be ignored.

What resulted was a much-changed plan from Liverpool, which reduced the number of concerts being held, granted just a temporary licence for the events - and promised far better communication and action to make the lives of residents easier.

However, the club was once again at loggerheads with locals when plans to partly close Anfield Road for three days before and after each concert this summer were revealed.

(Image: James Maloney/Liverpool Echo)

An LFC spokesperson stressed the plans were only in the draft stages, adding feedback from local residents was "critical."

In a scathing letter sent to residents, local councillors expressed "disgust and disappointment" over the proposed road closures.

Cllr Billy Murrat and Ros Groves said they were "shocked" to learn of the club's intentions after meeting with them last month, claiming there was no mention of this in either planning application.

It is perhaps another example of how a train station near to the stadium could alleviate issues.

But could it actually happen?

Well yes, actually.

Earlier this week, the ECHO reported on a large number of disused or 'ghost' stations that have been identified in Merseytravel's long-term rail strategy as having the potential for being re-opened on the Merseyrail network.

In the strategy, plans to develop new routes between Liverpool and Ormskirk could also mean building new stations in Anfield and Tuebrook , rather than re-opening old ones.

Anfield stadium through the years

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The stations closed in both areas closed in 1948, but Merseytravel say new ones could be built as part of a long-term scheme to extend Merseyrail services to the West Lancs area and beyond.

However, it is not clear if the new stations would be built at the former sites or if new locations will be identified.

Support

The idea of a new Anfield station has some high profile support.

Walton MP Dan Carden, who represents the area, said: "North Liverpool is poorly served by insufficient public transport links that leave us at a disadvantage compared to other areas of the city.

"Neither of our two Premier League football clubs have suitable rail services. The local community have long expressed concerns including parking issues, congestion and poor air quality.

"These issues are frequently brought up in my surgeries. A new train station in Anfield and better rail links across the city is part of the solution and it is time for all relevant stakeholders to look at taking forward the proposals in Merseytravel's Long Term Rail Strategy for the benefit of my constituents and our city.

(Image: Liverpoool Echo)

Everton ward councillor and LFC fan Ian Byrne is another to back the scheme.

He was in Munich for the Reds win this week and said the rail system in the German city is something Liverpool should follow.

Reacting to Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram's announcement that a commission will look at a new city centre station to link up with HS2, Cllr Byrne said: "It's good news indeed but I would also like a focus on a rail link to both football grounds and our airport. The infrastructure in Munich is something we should aspire to for our city."

Speaking to the ECHO, Cllr Byrne added: "The need for an updated transport system has never been more pressing for our communities in Anfield/Everton. The numerous issues around transport faced regularly by residents would certainly be helped with a modern rail link.

"After spending time in Germany you realise how far we are behind other major cities off the football pitch from a transport perspective. For both the environment and the growth of North Liverpool it's now time to see a train station in Anfield come to fruition."

Everton fans may wonder why we are not pointing out that a new rail station would also serve the Blues' Goodison home - which of course is just a stone's throw from Anfield - that is because any realistic plans for a new station are likely to arrive after the Toffees have moved to their new home at Bramley Moore Dock.

It is hoped that a new station will also serve that new arena.