David Humphreys

St Johns Beacon in Liverpool is entering a new phase after Bauer Media moved Radio City out in 2024, leaving the 450-foot tower vacant. The Radio City sign is set to be removed and replaced with an LED advertising board, while landlords Rivington Hark seek a new tenant. Earlier proposals included a ZipWorld zip line to Central Library, which received planning approval but was blocked by then-mayor Joe Anderson amid concerns about memorials and events in St Johns Gardens. Kayla Bibby has now proposed converting the former radio and restaurant facilities into a sky bar and digital advertising venue, while remedial works near completion and several other expressions of interest suggest further redevelopment options remain possible.

Wertie Investments Ltd, a property development firm based in Sutton Coldfield, has applied to Liverpool City Council to convert an existing 11-bedroom YMCA hostel on Ullet Road near Sefton Park into a 10-bedroom HMO. The internal conversion would retain the building’s external appearance and provide bedrooms over three floors. Residents and ward councillor Laura Robertson-Collins objected over HMO concentration, parking, noise and antisocial behaviour, but council officers said the proposal would create a comparable level of occupation to the lawful existing use and meet accommodation standards. Councillors are due to consider the application on 25 August 2026.

Allerton Golf Trading has submitted plans for a temporary 5,000-square-foot marquee at Allerton Manor Golf Club, seeking permission to host events for up to three years while its delayed hotel project progresses. The company attributes the delay to extensive golf-course works, rising costs, cautious investors and a slow recovery in the Liverpool City Region visitor economy. The proposed marquee would serve up to 136 people and replace an unauthorized structure whose events were cancelled. Residents and a ward councillor have raised concerns about noise, traffic, late-night activity and fireworks, although a noise assessment found the new location better screened and Environmental Health raised no objection subject to conditions.

The vacant nine-storey Imperial Court, formerly used by HM Revenue and Customs in Liverpool city centre, is set to be converted into 95 flats after a revised application addressed earlier concerns about inadequate daylight. The scheme reduces the original 106 apartments, retains ground-floor retail units, and adds cycle storage, a gym and 50 basement parking spaces. The building was vacated in July 2021 when HMRC staff moved to the India Buildings.

Liverpool Liberal councillor Steve Radford has called for housing cabinet member Hetty Wood to resign, accusing her of being out of touch after she described some opposition to houses in multiple occupation as fearmongering and dog-whistle politics. Wood said she recognised genuine concerns about poorly managed HMOs, antisocial behaviour and the loss of family housing, but argued that far-right groups were exploiting the issue to scapegoat migrants and asylum seekers. Liverpool Council’s proposed local plan would limit HMOs in neighbourhoods, preserve family homes and potentially expand Article 4 controls, while the council says it is strengthening planning enforcement and taking action against non-compliant landlords.

A public notice records that MF Trading Ltd has applied to Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council for a sex-shop licence for Scandals Adult Store at 304 Derby Road, Bootle. The proposed opening hours are 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sundays and bank holidays, with objections invited within 28 days of the 29 July 2026 application. The Liverpool City Region notice roundup also includes planning applications in Liverpool, an alcohol and late-night-refreshment application in Birkenhead, a late-night KFC licensing application in Kirkby, and several estate notices.

Businesses near Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium are preparing for another season of matchday parking restrictions. Gym owner Henry Cookey has relocated after nine years because road restrictions, lost Saturday trade and a rent increase made the site unsustainable. Aughton Engineering Supplies owner Bryan Deakin says rent has quadrupled, deliveries have failed, revenue has halved and staff hours have been reduced. Liverpool Council has relaxed some non-event-day rules, added parking bays and installed blue-badge spaces, but event-day restrictions remain and the council has yet to decide whether the traffic order will become permanent.

Liverpool housing cabinet member Hetty Wood says fearmongering about asylum seekers is being used to inflame concerns about houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). Liverpool Council plans to limit HMOs to 10% of neighbourhood areas and no more than three in a residential frontage, while using measures such as Article 4 directions and selective licensing. The council says 260 HMO applications have been rejected since 2021. Residents have reported overcrowding-related pressures, anti-social behaviour and insecurity, but Wood argues HMOs serve students, healthcare workers and people needing cheaper accommodation and should be regulated rather than treated as inherently threatening. The council’s local plan also proposes more than 33,000 new homes, none of which would be HMOs.

Specialist contractors are being appointed to assess the condition of Everton Library, a Grade II listed building that has been derelict since closing in 1999. Funded by £250,000 from Liverpool City Council, the next phase will include structural and environmental surveys, asbestos investigations, drone inspections and plans to make the building weatherproof. The findings will guide repairs, help secure further investment and support the council’s ambition to restore the former library as a community heritage, cultural and economic asset.

Students across Liverpool celebrated their A-level results, with high achievers including Charlotte Allen, who earned four A*s, and Isaac Roy and Oliver Dadswell, who each earned three A*s. Pupils from Blue Coat, St Margaret’s, All Saints and Notre Dame described supportive schools and a range of next steps, including university, apprenticeships, employment, travel and work. School leaders credited students’ commitment, staff dedication and family support for the strong outcomes.

Zenith, a new African Caribbean restaurant planned for a vacant electrical shop on Prescot Road in Old Swan, has been granted approval after agreeing to reduce its closing hours. The proposed 2am closing time prompted objections from more than a dozen residents and concerns from Lord Mayor William Shortall about alcohol-related disorder and anti-social behaviour. The restaurant will instead close at 11pm Monday to Saturday and 10pm on Sundays, with last orders 20 minutes earlier. Conditions include CCTV, Challenge 25 age checks, staff training, quiet departure notices, background-level music, no stand-up drinking and no delivery service. The business is expected to open by the end of September 2026, subject to refurbishment.

Liverpool Council says it cannot provide a definitive count of houses in multiple occupation because smaller HMOs may not require licensing and therefore are not always recorded. The Sunday Times estimated that Liverpool has nearly 16,500 HMOs, up from about 5,000 in 2015, but the council argues that the figure may not account for different types of accommodation. The authority is seeking to limit HMOs to 10% of neighbourhood areas, expand Article 4 controls, retain family homes and consult on citywide selective licensing. Officials say better modelling and licensing data are needed to understand the scale and effects of HMO conversions, particularly as they spread into communities beyond established student areas.

A long-closed Six by Nico restaurant site on North John Street in Liverpool could reopen under new proposals. An unnamed applicant has applied to amend the existing premises licence, allowing live and recorded music, alcohol sales until 2am and opening hours until 2:30am daily. The venue closed in August 2022 after flooding caused damage and mould. Six by Nico later forfeited the lease, while founder Nico Simeone pursued a £4.4 million claim against freeholder Highneal Ltd; the dispute was reportedly resolved through a private Tomlin Order. Liverpool Council will consider the licensing application, with objections accepted until August 28.

Liverpool restaurateur Paul Askew has welcomed a legal challenge against Liverpool City Council’s decision to extend city-centre parking charges until 11pm. He says the policy has reduced footfall and added pressure to businesses already struggling with rising costs and a weaker night-time economy. More than a dozen businesses support the action, initiated by former councillor Alfie Hincks, while the council is seeking to have it dismissed. Liberal Democrat representatives Daisy Cooper and Carl Cashman said hospitality firms feel ignored and need stronger support, prompting Liverpool Labour to attack the party’s record in government and defend its approach to the city.

Claire Kelly, her partner Tony and their five children have been temporarily housed in a four-bedroom property in West Derby after their former private landlord sold their home. Kelly says the accommodation is unsafe, overcrowded and in serious disrepair, with astro turf instead of carpet, hazardous windows and insufficient space to separate two children with chromosome 21 deletion and complex needs. She and Tony are sleeping on the living-room floor with their seven-month-old baby. Kelly says she has submitted extensive evidence and that social-care staff agree the property is unsuitable, while Liverpool Council says applications are assessed according to overcrowding, medical needs and other factors and that severe demand limits the availability of larger homes.

Liverpool Council and the Liverpool BID Company are discussing funding and maintenance arrangements that could allow the dormant Williamson Square fountains to operate again. Engineers have assessed the £1.1 million installation, which has experienced repeated outages since its 2004 launch, and further work is needed to determine repair costs and its long-term viability. No permanent reopening date has been set.

Wirral builder William Harrington is accused of fraud and multiple unfair trading offences relating to approximately £220,000 of home improvement work allegedly promised to his neighbour, Helen McGee. Prosecutors allege he made misleading representations, failed to provide required cancellation and contractual information, did not supply compliance certificates, and used pressure to seek a £10,000 payment. Harrington previously pleaded not guilty, was granted unconditional bail, and is due to enter a plea at Liverpool Crown Court on August 28, 2026. His trial is scheduled for June 21, 2027, and is expected to last eight to 10 days.

Liverpool FC is seeking to change Anfield’s event rules so concerts could be held in July, provided there is an uninterrupted 31-day period without events during the summer. The proposal is linked to plans concerning the permanent closure and possible redesign of part of Anfield Road. Residents and local representatives argue that July provides essential respite from concert crowds, road closures, noise and transport disruption, while the club says there is strong demand from global artists and that the change could bring revenue to Liverpool. Planning members have indicated they are minded to reject the proposals over residential amenity, traffic flow and environmental nuisance, with a final decision still pending.

Gina Jacobs, whose stillborn son Robert was buried in a mass grave at Landican Cemetery in 1969 without her knowledge, is supporting calls for a formal government apology to families affected by historic stillbirth and neonatal-death burial practices. Liverpool Council has backed a motion urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government to take national action, provide assistance with locating babies’ graves and accept responsibility for decades of institutional injustice. Jacobs and other families say the lack of information and opportunity to say goodbye caused lasting trauma, while council leader Liam Robinson pledged Liverpool’s support for their campaign.

Eighty-one-year-old Dot Laird says she has become trapped between two houses in multiple occupation on Second Avenue in Fazakerley, Liverpool, following disruptive building work and repeated changes of tenants. She says she no longer feels comfortable leaving home and was even approached about selling her property for another HMO. Neighbour Claire Green describes the construction, dust and changing character of the street as similarly distressing. Liverpool Council’s new local plan aims to limit HMOs to 10% of neighbourhood areas, protect family homes and prevent properties from being sandwiched between shared houses, but residents say the measures come too late. Council leaders, including Liam Robinson and Joe Dunne, have pledged wider Article 4 restrictions and tougher enforcement against unsuitable or unregistered HMOs.

Liverpool Council is exploring new capital funding to upgrade the Gregson Street play area in Everton, which is currently closed because its equipment has reached the end of its operational life. A 2024 consultation attended by only 15 people favored demolishing the site and replacing it with grass, but families and campaigners are now pressing the council to retain it. Councillor Jane Corbett has proposed a facility aimed at children under five, while campaigners want written confirmation that demolition will not proceed.

Liverpool Council has still not reached decisions on the future of Everton Park and Park Road Lifestyles centres, nearly three years after acknowledging it could no longer afford to operate all eight indoor leisure facilities. Discussions with the City of Liverpool Gymnastics Foundation, St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust and other partners remain ongoing. A long lease is being considered for Everton Park, while Park Road could become part of a multi-partner gymnastics and sports hub. The council says both sites will continue to be maintained and managed in the medium term, although staff could eventually be relocated if transfers proceed.

Liverpool FC’s proposal to permanently close the section of Anfield Road between Alroy Road and Skerries Road has divided residents and supporters. Community opposition rose from 66% in September 2024 to 74% in March 2025, while the club’s planning consultant argued that pedestrianisation would provide a safer route around the stadium amid large crowds and heightened vehicle-related security risks. Liverpool City Council’s planning committee has indicated it is minded to reject the changes because of concerns about residential amenity, traffic flow and environmental nuisance, with a final decision still pending.

Blundells of Liverpool has secured Liverpool Council approval to operate the McDonald's Walton Road restaurant as a drive-through from 11pm to 5am, while the main restaurant will close at 11pm. The franchisee cited the success of its 24-hour Kensington operation and outlined measures including expanded CCTV, manager training, cooperation with Merseyside Police, and restrictions on overnight walk-up service. The business said only 13 of more than 300 incidents in the wider County Road area were linked to the restaurant and committed to limiting disruption for nearby residents.

Liverpool City Council planning committee members indicated they are minded to reject Liverpool FC’s proposal to make the closure of Anfield Road permanent. The road has remained closed to cars since construction of the expanded Anfield Road stand, despite the works being completed in 2024 and residents reportedly being told it would reopen outside match and event days. Liverpool FC’s planning consultant argued that reopening the road would create a security vulnerability around the stadium, citing visitor numbers, the terror threat and hostile vehicles. Councillors and Ian Byrne MP rejected those arguments, accusing the club of breaking promises, worsening traffic on residential streets and prioritising commercial interests. The proposal will return to the committee for a final decision, with residential amenity, traffic flow and environmental nuisance cited as grounds for rejection.

Merseyrail services in the Liverpool City Region are due to enter public ownership in 2028, following the planned return of bus services to public control from September 2026. Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram says local control will allow fares to be set in passengers’ interests, integrate trains with buses, ferries and rapid transit through smart ticketing, improve stations and expand services to areas beyond the current network. The £500 million fleet introduced in 2023 has experienced early teething problems but provides level boarding as part of an accessibility-focused transport strategy. The Combined Authority is working with Network Rail on bringing some stations into public control, although it will not take ownership of stations that cannot be properly maintained. Rotheram also criticized Network Rail’s handling of service disruptions at Cressington and wants train frequencies eventually reduced to around ten minutes.

Liverpool’s hospitality sector is backing a judicial review challenging the city council’s extension of city-centre parking charges until 11pm. Hospitality Association co-chair Peter Schriewersmann argues the measures are primarily intended to raise revenue and could further damage businesses already under pressure. Liverpool Council is seeking to have the legal challenge struck out on procedural grounds and says it complied with all legal requirements, while the hospitality sector continues to call for meaningful discussions and a return to shorter charging hours and lower fees.

The future of Gregson Street play area in Everton is under dispute after a 2024 consultation attended by only 15 people favored removing the equipment and grassing over the site. Parents and campaigners say the play area was well used and that many local residents were unaware of the consultation. More than 130 people have signed a petition, with a protest planned at Liverpool Town Hall. Liverpool City Council says it is still exploring viable options for the park.

Liverpool City Council has begun a nearly £4m project to remove asbestos contamination from the grounds of Redbridge and Bank View School in Fazakerley, uncovered years after the schools opened. Remediation includes removing and replacing topsoil across the site, following earlier failures by the original contractor to meet required conditions. The discovery, present since at least 2018, led councillors to criticise delays and raise concerns over student safety. Work is expected to finish before the autumn term, with some costs directed to additional improvement works.

A derelict former care home near Sefton Park may be demolished to make way for a five‑storey development of 36 social‑rent apartments under plans submitted by Sanctuary Housing. The home, closed in 2021 after becoming financially unviable, has remained empty for nearly five years. A city council planning report supports redevelopment as an effective use of brownfield land and a contribution to local housing needs. The proposal includes parking, cycle storage, landscaping and other site features, with funding support from Homes England. Liverpool City Council’s planning committee will vote on the scheme next week.

Liverpool officials are recommending approval of Liverpool FC’s plan to permanently close a section of Anfield Road despite strong local opposition and accusations from councillors of breaching community trust. Surveys show most residents oppose keeping the road shut to vehicles, but updated safety assessments from council officers, police and counterterrorism advisors support the closure to reduce security risks and traffic dangers near the stadium. The planning committee will visit the site before issuing a final decision, which is expected alongside a related application on concert scheduling at Anfield.

Andy Burnham became the UK’s new prime minister and received public congratulations from Everton FC, reflecting his long-standing support for the club. Former players and supporters marked his arrival at Downing Street, and the club highlighted his history with community initiatives and football advocacy. Burnham’s past criticisms of Premier League regulation and VAR were noted as part of his engagement with the sport while he transitions from regional leadership to national office.

Local authorities across the Liverpool City Region issued public notices detailing planning applications, licensing requests, traffic orders, and probate announcements. Key items include a proposal for a new school at the former Prescot Road market site, plans for a hand‑painted mural at The Albert pub on Lark Lane, and various licensing applications in Wirral and Sefton. National Highways announced temporary overnight closures on the M62 for resurfacing work, and several legal estate notices were published.

Liverpool Council outlines a draft Local Plan aimed at guiding development through 2043, targeting population growth of 15 percent and construction of more than 30,000 new homes. The plan prioritizes revitalizing district centers, improving shopfront quality, and managing concentrations of hot food takeaways to promote healthier communities. It tightens controls on houses of multiple occupancy and establishes policies to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth while providing clarity for investors and residents.

Hundreds of fish died in Calderstones Park’s lake during hot weather as low oxygen levels and algae buildup impacted wildlife. Anglers estimated more than 400 fish, including carp, had perished. Liverpool Council deployed mobile aerators and said it is pursuing long-term improvements such as desilting and permanent aeration, with funding partly secured. The council is monitoring lakes citywide during the warm conditions.

Liverpool City Council is strengthening restrictions on houses of multiple occupation by introducing new limits on concentrations, expanding Article 4 controls, and prioritising mixed communities in its long-term local plan. Councillors highlighted longstanding issues in areas such as Tuebrook, citing overcrowding, waste and pressure on services, while stressing the need for improved enforcement and coordination across departments. The plan aims to prevent loss of family homes, restrict clustering of HMOs and enhance oversight, while acknowledging the continued role of HMOs in meeting housing needs.

Liverpool Council approved £15m plans to make pop‑up cycle lanes on Vauxhall Road and Commercial Road permanent, with construction expected to begin in October 2026 and finish by 2028. A separate active travel project around Sefton Park is planned to start in late 2027, introducing a segregated cycle route and upgraded pedestrian infrastructure. Both schemes received strong public support and form part of the Liverpool City Region’s strategy to expand high‑quality cycling and walking routes across the area.

A new agreement between the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Sefton and Wirral Councils, and The R&A secures The Open Championship’s return to Merseyside at least three more times before 2050. Royal Birkdale’s hosting of the 154th Open is projected to generate a £200 million economic boost, reinforcing the region’s status as a premier destination for major golf events. Local leaders highlighted the long‑term benefits for tourism, jobs and community engagement, while The R&A praised the area’s world‑class courses and commitment to hosting international events. The memorandum of understanding will be followed by a formal partnership later in the year, ensuring continued collaboration and future championships in the region.

The Public Office (Accountability) Bill, known as the Hillsborough Law, passed its Third Reading in the House of Commons, marking a significant moment for Liverpool after decades of campaigning by Hillsborough families. The legislation introduces a duty of candour requiring public officials to act transparently during investigations and inquests. Liverpool Council leader Liam Robinson and other political figures, including Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram, were acknowledged for their roles in advancing the bill, which now proceeds to the House of Lords. The measure is presented as a protective reform aimed at preventing future cover-ups and honouring the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

Liverpool Council revoked The Collective’s premises licence after two alleged rapes and other security failings, including minors entering through an unchecked side door and inadequate staff responses to reported assaults. Merseyside Police detailed multiple incidents involving the venue’s toilets, while management acknowledged poor oversight, insufficient monitoring and inadequate vetting of staff. Despite claims that improvements were made, councillors determined the venue had failed to protect the public, prompting licence removal.

A Hunts Cross mother objects to Sanctuary Housing telling her not to let her seven‑year‑old son play in the communal car park, which she considers the safest nearby area. Residents have complained about children playing there and potential damage to vehicles, prompting Sanctuary to cite tenancy rules requiring communal spaces to be used only for their intended purpose. Social media responses overwhelmingly argue that car parks are unsafe and inappropriate play areas, while Sanctuary points to nearby green spaces and parks as safer alternatives.

A longstanding community centre in Orrell Park faces potential closure due to severe financial shortfalls, forcing management to issue redundancy notices to its three part-time staff. Trustees warn funding will run out by October unless new income is secured, with annual operating costs reaching up to £70,000. The centre currently supports around 100 users through various classes and social groups, with limited council funding providing only minor support. Local leaders, including MP Dan Carden, are assisting as trustees seek business engagement, community contributions and new ideas to sustain operations. The centre’s plight comes as former member and actor James Nelson-Joyce rises in prominence with new roles. Liverpool Council says it will continue offering guidance as the centre works to avoid closure.

Liverpool City Council’s children’s services have been upgraded by Ofsted from inadequate to good following three years of intensive reform. Leadership changes, a reduction in agency staff, and strengthened infrastructure contributed to improvements in the safety and support of vulnerable children. Senior figures Liz Parsons and Jenny Glennard emphasised ongoing efforts toward achieving an outstanding rating, acknowledging remaining inconsistencies and prioritising development of a care leavers hub to address remaining gaps.

A new homelessness task force will be launched in the Liverpool City Region to shift efforts from crisis response to prevention, backed by government funding that includes £8.3m recently awarded to the Combined Authority and an additional £2m proposed for the initiative. The programme will involve local authorities, health services, criminal justice partners, and the Housing First scheme, which has already helped over 300 people secure homes. Chaired by Councillor Graham Morgan, the task force aims to coordinate regional efforts, strengthen early intervention, and reduce reliance on supported housing. Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram emphasises the goal of addressing root causes of homelessness and improving long-term stability for vulnerable residents. Liverpool City Council is set to receive £4.7m over three years to support local services targeting housing demand.

Delays to the £100m redevelopment of the former St James Station into the new Liverpool Baltic station have frustrated Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, who had hoped work would begin by the end of 2026. Despite planning approval, no contractor has been appointed, and securing rail possessions and approvals has slowed progress. The project, intended to support jobs and enable significant passenger capacity, is still planned to proceed but will start later than anticipated due to rail network bureaucracy and safety requirements.

Liverpool Council will appoint two commercial operators to run the city’s Christmas markets for the next three years, with an option to extend to 2031, generating an estimated £1.8m for the authority at no cost to the council. The markets at St George’s Plateau and the Pier Head will continue, with the latter becoming permanent after a successful trial. Analysis indicates the markets are a major driver of seasonal tourism, motivating more than half of visitors and boosting hotel stays. Bringing the markets back under council control was rejected due to resource constraints, while cancellation was dismissed because of the potential economic and reputational harm. Additional cleansing costs will be recovered from the operators.

A £1m upgrade to Liverpool’s Moorfields Station is nearing completion, with new staircase connections and final fittings pending. The project, funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, is part of a wider plan to improve the station’s appearance, accessibility and safety. Planning proposals aim to eliminate areas associated with antisocial behaviour, enhance cycle storage, introduce retail space and re-establish the station as a more inviting urban landmark.

Campaigners in Hartley’s Village, a historic Victorian model settlement in Aintree, seek major restoration to reverse decades of decline following the closure of the former Hartley’s jam factory. The residents association aims to restore original features, improve infrastructure, and reclaim communal spaces currently obstructed by fencing and equipment placed by current landowners NWMS Property Ltd. With the village’s unadopted status preventing council funding, campaigners are working with conservation experts and pursuing crowdfunding to finance the improvements, emphasising the need for urgent action to prevent further deterioration.

Families describe the vital support provided by Claire House Children’s Hospice as its Liverpool site secures planning permission to expand into a 24-7 care facility. Parents outline the emotional and practical relief the hospice provides, particularly by reducing travel to the Wirral site and offering respite, therapeutic services and end-of-life support. Chief executive David Pastor highlights the long path to approval and the need to raise £13m to complete the project, expected to open in 2029. Families stress the importance of proximity, safety and community as demand for specialist care continues to grow.

A 16‑year‑old Liverpool boy with Friedreich’s ataxia is crowdfunding for access to Omaveloxolone, a drug clinically approved in the UK but not available through the NHS due to stalled NICE assessments. His family argues the current evaluation criteria are unsuitable for rare diseases and is pressing the government for reform. Liverpool MP Paula Barker raised the case in Parliament, prompting the Prime Minister to offer a meeting with a Health Minister. The family has raised over £133,000 toward the cost of treatment in Germany, while supporters continue fundraising efforts.

Liverpool Liberal Democrat leader Carl Cashman faced criticism from Labour councillor Harry Doyle after appearing on the cover of Attitude magazine’s Pride edition. Doyle accused Cashman of queerbaiting and exploiting the LGBTQ community for political gain, while Cashman rejected the criticism as petty. In the interview, Cashman discussed concerns about young men being drawn to far‑right politics and his collaboration with think tank Bright Blue on a project about positive masculinity.

Liverpool Council leader Liam Robinson condemned a planned anti‑immigration protest on County Road, warning it aims to spread fear and division and reopen tensions linked to the 2024 riots. Merseyside Police will impose a large dispersal zone and use newly granted protest‑related powers to manage potential disorder. The demonstration, promoted by far‑right accounts, follows a previous march in the area. Robinson urged strong enforcement and said the protests disrupt local life and do not reflect community values.

Liverpool Liberal Democrat leader Carl Cashman appears on the July cover of Attitude Magazine, discussing masculinity and concerns about young men being drawn to far‑right politics. Cashman describes a collaborative project with the think tank Bright Blue aimed at developing a manifesto for positive masculinity, with plans to engage directly with men in sports and youth settings. He highlights issues such as online radicalisation, misogyny, and the effects of growing up under Section 28, while arguing that masculinity should not be broadly labelled as toxic. The feature coincides with Attitude’s Pride issue and upcoming Pride awards.

A proposal by Taj restaurant on Lodge Lane to extend opening hours to 3am has drawn objections from Liverpool Council officials and local representatives, citing planning issues, potential public nuisance, and waste‑related concerns. Planning officers noted previous refusals due to inadequate flue measures and said current policy limits late‑night opening in local centres to 11:30pm. Councillor Laura Robertson‑Collins voiced additional concerns about the residential setting and ongoing waste and rat problems. The licensing committee will review the application on July 16.

Liverpool FC’s bid to permanently close a section of Anfield Road to vehicles sparked strong opposition from local councillors and residents, who accused the club of breaking assurances given during the stand expansion project. Supporters of the closure cited increased security needs, but councillors highlighted community disruption, loss of trust and lack of consultation. Planning committee members deferred the decision for a site visit as concerns grew over strained relations between the club and neighbourhood.

Courts imposed nearly £5,000 in fines on 12 people who failed to appear after being issued fixed penalty notices for littering and fly-tipping in Liverpool. Liverpool Council and its enforcement partner WISE pursued the cases following unpaid penalties, with evidence leading to convictions in absence. A fly-tipping incident involving a van on Liberty Street resulted in a prosecution after the vehicle owner declined to cooperate. Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins emphasized the community impact of littering and warned of unavoidable consequences for offenders.

Lidl secured planning approval to build a new supermarket on the former Croxteth fire station site in north Liverpool and is considering selling part of the land for housing development. The project involves demolition of existing training structures and will create about 40 jobs. Local councillors welcomed the store as an important investment that restores access to food shopping and supports a deprived community.

Residents of Hartley’s Village in Liverpool are opposing an illegally erected fence on a long‑used communal square within the conservation area. Liverpool Council has issued an enforcement notice ordering the landowners, NWMS Property Ltd, to remove the fence and restore the land. Local councillor Sam East supports the community’s efforts, arguing the development undermines the area’s heritage. Land registry records show the land was sold to NWMS in 2024, but confusion surrounds links between the company and Nationwide Management Services. The fence must be removed by late July unless an appeal is filed, with the council warning of further action if the order is ignored.

A series of public notices outlines applications and regulatory actions across the Liverpool City Region, including a licence renewal request for a Moorfields sex shop, proposed variations to pub licensing conditions, multiple temporary road closure orders in Wirral, a new premises licence request in Sefton, and goods vehicle operator licence changes in Knowsley. Estate notices issued under the Trustee Act are also included, with deadlines for representations and public inspection detailed for each notice.

A 69‑year‑old Toxteth resident has been left living in unsafe conditions after a recurring leak damaged his housing association property, forcing him to remove his belongings and contend with bare concrete flooring. The tenant says repairs have been delayed despite prior issues with the same pipework and a resulting flood that generated a large water bill later cancelled by United Utilities. Torus apologised for the disruption and said surveyors will assess the damage and arrange urgent repairs, while the resident seeks support through the Citizens Advice Bureau and Liverpool Council.