Residents of a "forgotten" north Liverpool road are taking things into their own hands in a bid to restore its buzz.
Oakfield Road in Anfield is mix of residential homes and a wide range of businesses such as corner shops, takeaways and off licences.
The stretch comes to life when Liverpool play at home at Anfield Stadium, with matchday footfall spurring a rise in independent traders such as Homebaked and Oakfield Coffee House, as well as venues paying homage to the world famous football club.
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Geoff Head, 56, is Anfield "born and bred" and is currently creative wellbeing co-ordinator at Liverpool Lighthouse, an arts charity providing a 'creative sanctuary' in north Liverpool. He told the ECHO: "Oakfield Road used to be a real hub of the community, with a local butcher's, the Gaumont cinema and loads of shops. I've seen it at it's best, but it's been forgotten.
"I know as far as Anfield is concerned we've been promised a lot, but I think things are changing. There's a buzz now, especially with the Everton and Anfield Business Strategy Network."
The network comprises more than 30 local businesses trying to drive change in the areas. Geoff added: "There are pubs, hotels, coffee shops. We've got this vision of what it could look like. It will benefit the whole area."
In November 2022, Liverpool Lighthouse relaunched its community cinema in the former Gaumont and is also putting plans in motion to reopen the stunning Art Deco front of the building.
Geoff said he's "sick" of hearing about Anfield's status as "one of the most deprived areas" in the city but "as a resident you can't get away from it". He added: "I've got so much invested in this place. It's my community, my home. We've waited so long for government help but it's not come, so now we're making a difference. Our voice is going to be louder and louder."
Alfie Abbott is originally from London but moved to Liverpool to take up his post as events manager at The Sandon, a much loved bar, hotel and function suite that has been standing on Oakfield Road since 1870.
He describes the area as "very old school". Alfie added: "It's amazing, everyone does seem to pull together no matter what's going on. Right now is a testing time, you can tell it's had a bit of an effect.
"We are seeing it in functions a little bit. People who would be more inclined to spend their money are not spending as much."
Despite the cost of living crisis, Alfie told the ECHO that matchdays still bring a buzz to the area and that Liverpool home games are like "night and day" to a normal afternoon on Oakfield Road.
He added: "It is unbelievable. You wouldn't see anything like this elsewhere in the country, people coming together for one team."
The Sandon does more than quench the thirst of football fans on matchdays. Owner Kate Stewart is involved in a number of community projects.
Alfie said: "Liverpool in general and Anfield especially needs more money putting into it. The new estate over the road I think is taking the area from what it was to where it's looking to go. You usually find that deprived places pull together the most."
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