Burnley MP Oliver Ryan has blasted a plan to close major roads near Turf Moor on match days, calling it a recipe for 'utter carnage'. The proposal from Lancashire County Council would shut Yorkshire Street, Todmorden Road and half a mile of Belvedere Road on game days. Ryan, elected in 2024, said the scheme would cause 'more traffic chaos' for the town. The Clarets sit 19th in the Premier League with 22 points from 38 games, having scored 38 and conceded 75 goals. Their last result was a 1-1 draw with Wolves on 24 May 2026.

What is the road closure plan?

The traffic regulation order would see ad hoc closures of three key routes around Turf Moor. Yorkshire Street, Todmorden Road and a half-mile stretch of Belvedere Road would be shut on match days. The closures extend from the traffic light junction with Harry Potts Way. That junction already had its pavements widened to encourage walking from the town centre to the stadium.

Why has the MP criticised it?

Ryan connected the plan to the £6m 'Town to Turf' walking route, which was meant to make pedestrian journeys safer. He said the county council, run by Reform UK, had come up with 'another cracking idea to block up our town'. The MP also pointed to concerns from religious leaders. The Bishop of Blackburn, Philip North, called the plans 'incomprehensible' and warned two churches on the affected roads could 'struggle to function'.

What has the council said?

Matt Townsend, director of highways and transport at Lancashire County Council, said crowd safety was of 'paramount importance'. He added that operational changes to match day management required an update to the existing arrangement, which has been in place since 2012. Townsend said the changes would be minimal compared to what has operated for over a decade. Burnley FC have not yet responded to questions about the proposed order.

How does this affect Burnley fans?

For a club already struggling on the pitch — Burnley are 19th in the Premier League, 63 points behind leaders Arsenal, with recent form of DDDDL — the last thing fans need is a headache getting to the ground. The Clarets have won just four league games all season. With only one win in their last five matches (0W-4D-1L), supporters are already frustrated. Road closures could make match days even more of a grind.

What comes next?

The traffic regulation order is still a proposal. Lancashire County Council will likely consult on the plans before any final decision. Ryan has vowed to keep opposing the scheme, calling it a threat to local businesses and churches. Burnley fans will be watching closely — they've had enough chaos on the pitch this season without adding traffic jams to the mix.