A community group, Friends of Gelling Riding School (FOG), is advocating for the reopening of Croxteth Park Riding Centre, which has been closed since November 2021 due to various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing shortages. FOG aims to take over the center and transform it into a community asset, emphasizing the importance of equine activities in Liverpool. Despite their efforts, they have faced delays and limited communication from Liverpool City Council regarding their proposals.

Bridget Griffin, a director of FOG, highlights the historical significance of the riding center to the community and the group’s commitment to making equine activities accessible to all, including free sessions for children. They believe that reopening the center would not only restore a beloved community resource but also promote well-being and engagement with horses among local residents.

In response to ongoing frustrations, FOG has initiated a petition to garner public support and is urging community members to contact their local councillors. They are eager to reopen the center by summer, hoping to offer various programs, including those for children with special educational needs, while also addressing concerns about vandalism and deterioration of the site during its closure.