Jonathan Blackburn

A 20-picture gallery documents Liverpool's former ABC Cinema on Lime Street, from its opening as the Forum in 1931 and heyday as a popular two-tier theatre to its closure in 1998 and prolonged deterioration. Archive and recent images show the empty building's water damage, vegetation, vandalism and fire damage. Former visitors recall its atmosphere and their childhood memories, while Liverpool City Council says it is seeking financially sustainable end-users as part of a wider masterplan linked to the proposed redevelopment of Central Station and its surroundings.

Liverpool's Grade II-listed former ABC Cinema on Lime Street has stood empty since 1998 and has deteriorated through water damage, vegetation, graffiti, vandalism and arson. Residents and visitors say the prominent art deco building, visible from Lime Street station, harms the city's image despite fond memories of its former cinemas. Liverpool City Council says it remains committed to finding a financially sustainable end-user and expects regeneration linked to the £5 billion Central Station and surrounding-area redevelopment to help bring the building back into use.

Nurses at Mersey Care say severely ill and potentially dangerous patients are being placed on acute mental health wards that lack the equipment and staffing to manage them because of shortages of psychiatric intensive care beds. Staff report feeling unsafe amid drug-induced psychosis cases and more than 3,000 assaults recorded at the trust last year. Mersey Care denies delays in transferring patients who need PICU treatment, says it has capacity for admissions, and maintains that placements are based on clinical assessments with staffing and safety measures regularly reviewed.

The Charity Commission has opened an inquiry into Wirral-based Merseycare Transport, which operates 45 minibuses serving children and disabled people and reported £1.92 million in income for 2024/25. The regulator cited concerns that the charity may have too few trustees, failed to meet statutory accounting requirements and incurred expenditure that may not align with its charitable objectives. The inquiry will assess trustee compliance, the use of charitable funds, information submitted to the Commission and any potential misconduct, mismanagement or misappropriation. Merseycare Transport Services Ltd had not responded to the Liverpool Echo by its deadline.

Residents near Millers Bridge in Bootle say repeated oil spills have caused pungent smells in their homes, traffic congestion and prolonged disruption to bus services. Recent vegetable-oil and suspected palm-oil spills closed parts of Millers Bridge and Derby Road for several days, while earlier cleanups cost Sefton Council up to £12,430. Sefton Council says those responsible for the latest spill paid for specialist cleaning and that it is investigating enforcement, prosecutions and cost recovery measures, while residents and taxi representatives want the underlying cause of the recurring incidents addressed.

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust recorded 3,272 physical assaults on staff in 2025/26, up from 2,323 in 2023/24, while sexual safety incidents also roughly doubled. Current and former employees describe mental health wards as chaotic and dangerous, citing daily attacks, inadequate staffing, reliance on unfamiliar agency workers, bullying and a toxic organizational culture. A leaked NHS England-commissioned review reportedly criticized the trust’s leadership and internal politics, followed by the departure of chair Rosie Cooper and three non-executive directors. Mersey Care says patient and staff safety is a priority, incidents are reviewed, wards are staffed according to patient need, and affected employees receive safeguarding, occupational health and wellbeing support.

Bootle neighbourhoods around Balliol Road, Millers Bridge and Derby Road have the highest measured air pollution in north-west England, with annual PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide levels exceeding World Health Organization recommendations. Residents of Douglas Place say lorry traffic leaves cars, windows and sills coated in dust and soot, forcing them to clean them several times a week. Health experts warn that the pollution increases risks including respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Sefton Council says air quality has improved significantly and cites measures including traffic sensors, port truck-booking systems, cleaner vehicle initiatives and active-travel schemes, while the UK government says it is introducing tighter targets and other measures to reduce harmful emissions.

A memorial in Birkenhead marked 40 years since the murder of 21-year-old florist Diane Sindall. Former taxi driver Kenneth Clarke, one of the last people to see her alive, described the lasting guilt and distress he has carried since deciding not to offer her a lift. Organizers from RASA Merseyside urged anyone with information to come forward and emphasized Diane’s identity as a victim of violence against women. The event also remembered Peter Sullivan, who spent 38 years imprisoned for the murder before DNA evidence exonerated him in 2025, along with the continuing impact on both families and the wider community.

A 17-year-old girl died after suffering a medical episode at Kendal Calling festival in Cumbria during the early hours of August 2, 2026. Paramedics performed CPR but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Cumbria Constabulary is investigating and seeking witnesses, particularly a group of women who alerted first responders near the Calling Out tent and Big Wheel. Her family has been informed and is receiving specialist support.

Merseyside celebrities and former football stars took part in a charity match at Southport FC’s Haig Avenue ground to raise money for families affected by the July 2024 Southport attack. The event commemorated victims Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe, with a minute’s applause and a three-minute silence. Ian Snodin’s team won on penalties after leading 5–1 at half-time, while a raffle, auction and live music generated additional fundraising and brought the local community together.

Copperas Hill in Liverpool city centre was closed between Lime Street and Seymour Street after a crash involving two vehicles near Liverpool Lime Street station. A man was taken to hospital as a precaution, while police managed heavy traffic and resulting tailbacks. The road reopened shortly after 5:30pm.

A man in his 40s was found dead inside a room at the Brownlows Inn on Mount Pleasant in Liverpool city centre on the morning of August 1, 2026. Merseyside Police said the death was unexpected, the man was pronounced dead at the scene, and his next of kin had been informed. A postmortem examination will seek to establish the cause of death while police enquiries continue.

Merseyside Police constable Benvenuto Picone was dismissed without notice and added to the UK policing barred list after a misconduct panel found that his partner completed nearly all of his policing degree assignments, including his dissertation, while he presented the work as his own. The panel also found that he dishonestly applied for a Santander loan in his partner's name without her permission. Picone admitted the conduct and said it occurred amid financial difficulties, but the panel concluded that his repeated dishonesty was incompatible with policing and could significantly damage public confidence.

The Department for Transport is facing a High Court challenge over its decision to block Warrington Borough Council from approving plans for 330 homes at Thelwall Heys, a site potentially needed for the Liverpool–Manchester section of Northern Powerhouse Rail. Developers Bridgemere Group and Castle Green Homes argue the decision was irrational and intended to safeguard the land for a possible £60 million purchase, while government lawyers say the claim is without merit. The rail project would include upgrades to Liverpool Central and Lime Street and new or improved stations in Manchester and Warrington; no hearing date has yet been set.

Fans gathered at Liverpool’s Hill Dickinson Stadium for the Super League Magic Weekend, which featured six fixtures across two days and attracted more than 80,000 attendees. Supporters from teams across the country filled the surrounding area, aided by extra Merseyrail services as they enjoyed the sporting and entertainment events.

Liverpool hosted the Magic Weekend at Hill Dickinson Stadium, drawing thousands of rugby league supporters wearing team colours for six Betfred Super League fixtures. Fans from across the UK praised the city's friendliness, the stadium atmosphere and the event’s festivities. Wakefield defeated Castleford 48–6 in the opening Sunday match, with further major fixtures scheduled throughout the day.

Two men reported missing in Preston were found dead inside a Peugeot 106 discovered hidden in undergrowth off the A584 near its junction with the A583. Lancashire Police believe the crash occurred shortly before 5:30 a.m. on June 24. Officers are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to help establish the circumstances of the collision. The victims’ families have been notified and are receiving support from specially trained officers.

Martin Lewis urges pensioners to check whether they qualify for Attendance Allowance, a non–means-tested DWP benefit worth up to £5,959.20 per year. He highlights that more than a million eligible pensioners may not be claiming it. The benefit supports people over state pension age who need regular care due to physical or mental health conditions. Lewis encourages people to apply even at the lower rate and notes that claimants can use the funds however they choose. Guidance is available from Citizens Advice and Age UK, and eligibility depends on care needs, residency requirements and medical conditions. The benefit cannot be claimed alongside PIP or DLA.

A mother in Warrington built a successful home-based business after transitioning from Universal Credit to offering a paid service that manages selling customers’ items on Vinted. Charging flat-rate packages for handling, storing and listing goods, her venture has grown rapidly, attracting 180 clients and requiring expanded storage space. She now earns up to £2,000 in peak months and plans to scale further, crediting the platform’s large audience and encouraging others to explore similar income opportunities.

A series of collapses in St Helens prompted the charity Change Grow Live to issue a warning about the circulation of the synthetic cannabinoid spice, citing reports of overdoses. The organisation highlighted the drug’s severe health risks and provided harm-reduction advice. Past issues involving a dangerous batch of spice at HMP Altcourse were noted, with prison officials emphasising efforts to curb drug entry and safeguard prisoners.

A couple travelling from County Durham to celebrate their wedding anniversary reported severe deterioration and poor conditions at the Wrexham Llyndir Hall Hotel, now operated under OYO’s Belvilla brand. They described unkempt grounds, dirty and dysfunctional rooms, closed facilities, and misleading parking charges. Their complaints follow a series of similar negative reviews and past investigations by Trading Standards. OYO stated the problems were due to ongoing refurbishment and said bookings were being honoured. Citizens Advice has recommended the couple seek a refund while local authorities continue advising the hotel on compliance.

Thunderstorms are expected in Liverpool as temperatures rise toward 29°C following a short period of cooler, muggy weather. BBC Weather forecasts sunshine returning mid‑week, with Friday likely to be the hottest day before thundery showers develop in the afternoon and evening. The Met Office predicts very warm, mostly dry conditions for northern England in early July, with occasional localised thunderstorms.

Residents living beside the derelict Welsh Presbyterian Church in Toxteth report rats entering their homes and widespread fly‑tipping as the landmark continues to deteriorate. The building, abandoned for decades and missing a major section of its roof since 2023, has seen no planning applications submitted by current owners Audsley Holdings, who bought the site in 2022. Directors say delays stem from funding issues and bureaucracy and claim a new residential plan with affordable housing will be submitted within weeks. Local councillor Nick Small urges the owners to act or pass the site to someone who will, citing broader challenges managing Liverpool’s numerous listed buildings. Residents express frustration at long-term neglect, while the National Lottery Heritage Fund confirms a previous funding expression of interest was rejected.

A far-right anti‑immigration protest of around 50 people gathered on County Road in Walton before marching into Liverpool city centre under a heavy police presence. Despite previous larger turnouts, the group appeared smaller and was largely ignored by local residents who continued with their daily activities. Police deployed vans, mounted officers, and live‑stream monitoring along the route to St George’s Hall, where the demonstration ended without incident. Several nearby businesses remained closed, and only a few counter‑protestors appeared as crowds of bystanders, including visiting rugby fans, observed the march.

Merseyside Police’s annual accounts show a 2.1% rise in recorded crime in 2025–26, driven partly by reclassification of business robberies and significantly by the violent actions of Paul Doyle, who injured more than 100 people during Liverpool FC’s 2025 title parade. Serious violence rose nearly 20%, while hate crime, rape and drug offences also increased, with officials attributing some rises to improved reporting confidence and proactive policing. Homicide, firearms discharges and burglary fell sharply. Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell emphasized the need for continued victim support, strengthened partnerships and initiatives addressing sexual violence and hate crime.

Around 50 far‑right anti‑immigration protesters gathered outside the Royal Oak pub on County Road in Liverpool before marching toward the city centre under heavy police presence. Counter‑protesters confronted the group, and tensions included chants and a flag bearing anti‑immigration messaging. Local resident Silé Macraghnaill expressed community frustration over recurring demonstrations. Businesses and public buildings in the area remained closed or shuttered as police accompanied the marchers toward St George’s Hall.

A stabbing on South Road in Waterloo triggered heightened concern over large groups of teenagers visiting the area during warm weather and the anti-social behaviour that follows. The victim, a man in his 20s, sustained non‑life‑threatening injuries after a street fight near a Boots store. Police imposed a Section 60 order, conducted multiple searches and made several arrests, including one involving a machete. Sefton Council stated that disruptive behaviour would not be tolerated as patrols were increased and detectives requested public assistance with footage or information.

A convicted murderer, Paul Sharpe, kidnapped a 15-year-old girl at knifepoint in Altrincham and held her hostage for eight hours, binding her, forcing her to drink alcohol, and sexually assaulting her before being arrested in a hotel car park in Cheshire. The victim was reported missing, and police identified Sharpe’s car through CCTV. He pleaded guilty at Minshull Street Crown Court to multiple charges, including kidnapping and sexual offences. Prosecutors condemned his actions, and sentencing is scheduled for September 4, 2026.

Warm and sunny weather is expected to return to Liverpool next week after a cooler, cloudy spell. Forecasts show temperatures rising from 21°C over the coming days to highs of 25–26°C between Thursday and Friday, with sunshine returning midweek. Light rain is possible on Saturday and intermittent showers may arrive the following Sunday afternoon. The following week is predicted to turn wetter, with drizzle expected from Tuesday to Friday, while Thursday and Saturday are projected to be the warmest days at around 23°C.

A temporary closure of the Arrowe Park Post Office in Woodchurch has left residents, especially older people, without vital local services. Customers describe difficulties paying bills and accessing cash, while some rely on taxi rides to alternative branches. The Post Office cites operational reasons and says it is working to restore service, directing people to nearby locations in Greasby and Prenton Dell.

Ian Tabron received a suspended four‑month prison sentence and seven years on the Sex Offenders' Register after attempting to secretly film four children in a changing cubicle at Halton Leisure Centre in Widnes. The children reported seeing a phone held under the door, prompting staff to alert police. CCTV identified Tabron, leading to his arrest and voyeurism charge. Police praised the children for quickly raising the alarm and emphasised their commitment to pursuing offenders who pose risks to children.

Residents of Birkenhead express mixed views on long-term regeneration efforts initiated under the Birkenhead 2040 plan. While some locals see little visible progress and feel disconnected from stalled or delayed projects, others point to recent improvements, new community enterprises, and increased activity on streets like Argyle Street. Projects including waterfront redevelopment, new housing, expanded business space, and upgraded public areas are underway, though previous reviews highlighted major setbacks. Community leaders and business owners emphasize the need for positivity, greater footfall, and more housing to sustain momentum, while Wirral Council maintains that new tenants, market development, and business investment signal ongoing progress in revitalizing the town.

Residents in Waterloo described worsening disorder during hot weather after a man in his 20s was stabbed on South Road. Crowds of teenagers, antisocial behaviour, and high‑speed bikes have fuelled concerns among locals, who say the area becomes chaotic whenever the sun comes out. Merseyside Police implemented Section 60 stop‑and‑search powers and a dispersal zone over the weekend, making multiple arrests, including one linked to a machete incident. The stabbing victim remains in stable condition, and police continue to appeal for information. Authorities emphasised ongoing efforts to reduce antisocial behaviour and reassure the community.