Tensions are rising over potential plans for a community park that would "destroy the area".
A consultation was previously launched, seeking views on further improvements to Jubilee Park in Huyton which would include the creation of a football pitch and car park. The current pavilion would be refurbished and landscaping works carried out, however, residents called for more as they said the park "needs to be for everyone".
Under the current proposals, there would be a fenced and floodlit artificial grass pitch as well as smaller grass playing pitches. But concerns were raised that too much attention was made on the football sporting activity and dog walkers and other children were not taken into consideration.
One resident has lived in the area for almost 30 years, but he says the future now seems uncertain. Speaking out about the proposals, he told the ECHO: "We don't want to destroy the plans but you can't build these things on the park, it needs to keep the green space.
"I live opposite the park and love the football but it's not right. I enjoy going for a walk as do other residents, having that open free space. There's something about it you can't buy."
Huyton Juniors Football Club are working with Knowsley Council and the Football Foundation to secure funding to deliver the proposed project. However, residents object to the current proposals as they believe there would be increased disruption through noise and lights and a potential attraction for anti-social behaviour.
Concerns were also raised about an entrance to the park being turned into a "crossroad" and the 63-space car park and football pitches would create additional traffic as well as a lack of access through a "lockable gate".
The resident, who did not wish to be named, added: "It's absurd and there's more residents in the same position as me. Everyone wants money to be spent on the park but it's how that money is spent.
"I'm about to re-mortgage my property because the fixed deal came to an end but I won't go into another deal because things are so uncertain with these plans. I've lived here for 27-years but I don't know what will happen, it will destroy the surrounding area.
"I can't have a sporting club on the door of my house. This Huyton club does amazing things but you can't have this on our park, there's no room. It's such a small park and there will be increased congestion. his is just the start. It's a circling beast. We are all putting in money for this to raise awareness."
Posters have been put up along the park, urging residents to "protect" their green space. Christine Keen said it's a "shame" as opinions are divided and tensions rise over the proposals, but the park should be inclusive to all.
Speaking to the ECHO on Tuesday she added: "Even on a rainy day you still get the dog walkers out. We aren't against the football but the green space should be for everyone."
Additional drop-in sessions will be held in coming weeks where residents can express their views in person. The first will be held on Sunday, January 29 from 2pm to 4pm at the Jubilee Park Pavilion Building and the second on February 2 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Park View Primary School.
The deadline for the consultation was December 12, 2022. Knowsley Council since confirmed to the ECHO the proposals had received "positive support" and engagement work will continue to take place.
A Knowsley Council spokesperson said: "We would like to thank all those who have contributed to our ongoing community consultation over the proposed plans for Jubilee Park and will work to ensure that, wherever possible, these views are reflected in future plans. We want to ensure that Jubilee Park remains a place for everyone to visit and that any improvements to the park are positive for the community.
"The plans have been shared with residents throughout the process, both on site and through online consultations, and have received positive support locally. We are committed to ensuring that Jubilee Park remains accessible and inclusive to all and we are continuing to work with the local community to look at any issues and address any further questions which residents might have.
"Work is taking place around engaging wider groups to use the site and create new opportunities for all members of the local community. We will also be holding further community sessions in the coming weeks and welcome anyone with questions to come along. These sessions will be advertised on line and directly to local residents."
The proposals can be found here.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Read next:
Woman's tragic Snapchat message sent moments before taking own life
Schoolgirl 'could have been killed' in sickening attack video
'Besotted' couple together for 40 years die just one day apart
Live as heavy rain in Liverpool prompts flood alerts and weather warnings
