Edge Lane Development

[Kev]

Hundreds of homes in Liverpool are to be demolished after the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott upheld the findings of a public inquiry.

The houses will be knocked down as part of a road widening and regeneration scheme on Edge Lane.

Mr Prescott confirmed a public inquiry decision that developers can secure the land with compulsory purchase orders.

Liverpool Land Development Company plans to spend £300m on the scheme which will see 400 homes flattened.

Edge Lane links the M62 with the city centre but it is often congested in the Kensington area.

The public inquiry was called following residents' objections when the compulsory purchase orders were issued in January 2005.

The developers claimed the scheme would improve traffic flow and regenerate the area, but residents argued it would just create a motorway into Liverpool and destroy historic Victorian houses.

source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/4717414.stm)

[ScouseCol]

there's no doubt that edge lane needs sorting out and i am glad they're doing it. if you've ever been near there in rush hour you know what i mean.

the thing that i don't agree with is the way compulsory purchase orders affect the families who live in the targeted houses for demolition. the problems affect home owners predominantly in such a way that i can't actually believe the process is legal but it is.

apart from the obvious stress of having to uproot and move away from the area you may have lived in for years the real stress comes when you see how much they actually say your house is worth which is certainly not funny. they offer you what the house is worth. but what they don't say is that you get what your house is worth AFTER the compulsory purchase order has been served and not before. now if you've got half a brain it's not difficult to work out that you wont get a lot for a house thats earmarked for demolition. it's not exactly a star buy for anyone looking to invest in propertly is it?

you might think I'm making this up, but this is how it's done and it's perfectly legal for them to take a house off a retired couple for example, who's paid their mortgage off and who's house is worth 200k and give them 50k and tell them to go and rent somewhere. they're too old to get a mortgage and didn't really need to pay rent as they worked all their lives to buy their house outright.

this is how it works unfortunately so i fully understand why residents are upset. :sad:

people should get fully compensated and should not be left worse off but there will be a lot of people who will be worse off.

[Kev]

I agree about the congestion and I know Howie will have a something to say about it.

[Kev]

IC Liverpool (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16708656%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=government%2dsays%2dyes%2dto%2dedge%2dl ane%2dgateway-name_page.html)

[Max]

I agree and get rid of the retali park too as it's a dump.:evil:

[Kev]

I agree and get rid of the retali park too as it's a dump.:evil:

Its poo, I agree. Went there to Maccies last week and thought 'what a shame' :rolleyes: What was once a bustling retail park has become a run down mess. The cinema used to be the place to go.

[Max]

What happens when stuff are put in Edge Lane.:PDT_Armat

I go to Speke Retali mostly, kicks ass down there.

[Kev]

I never knew that the start of the m62 is actually junction 3, cause they originally meant it to go all the way into town :eek:

[Kev]

http://www.liverpooldev.co.uk/edgelane/
for details

[Kev]

any recent news on this?

[Howie]

Late move to stop Edge Lane highway (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16853389&method=full&siteid=50061&headline=late-move-to-stop-edge-lane-highway-name_page.html)

Legal challenge in bid to stop 'bulldozing of Victorian homes' (http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=1&newsID=4163)

Homes demolition plan challenged (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/merseyside/4842686.stm)

Prescott's 'social cleansing' faces court challenge (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/03/25/nprezza25.xml&sSheet=/news/2006/03/25/ixhome.html)

Homeowners facing compulsory purchase orders on their properties (http://firstrung.co.uk/articles.asp?pageid=NEWS&articlekey=1552&cat=44-0-0)

[Max]

Parts of Edge Lane do need a makeover though and so do some of the yobs there!

[Howie]

The problem is that the development is not being undertaken for the benefit of the community (but for the benefit of those passing thru' it) and residents are not being treated fairly in the pittance they are being offered for their properties. They are being offered 'market value', but that value has resulted from the regeneration activity itself i.e. once you declare an area a demolition area then the property prices collapse. Those facing compulsory purchase orders will either have to return to renting or take on large loans to remain as home owners.

[Kev]

If plans are withdrawn though, wont it be to the detriment of the area resulting in nothing getting done? Millions of pound taken away from the area? I'm sure I've mentioned that before.

[Howie]

Far more properties are being demolished than is necessary for the road widening so as to provide for a row of new apartments on either side. There are alternative proposals that involve far less demolition and the renovation of existing properties. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister though is firmly of the opinion that regeneration equals demolition - a position that is not supported by many regeneration experts.

[FKoE]

I think local home owners have been shafted, and landlords rewarded.... tenants, well, what did they get.. ?

[Howie]

tenants, well, what did they get.. ?

I was tempted to say socially cleansed. What I mean is they are encouraged to move to other areas. :disgust:

[Kev]

City route redevelopment begins

Controversial £350m redevelopment work is due to get under way on one of the main routes into Liverpool city centre.

The Edge Lane scheme includes the demolition of hundreds of homes to make way for a dual carriageway linking the city to the M62.

The Liverpool Land Development Company plans will also create new homes, shops and offices to regenerate the area.

But some residents are still fighting the compulsory purchase orders issued on their homes.

The scheme is backed by English Partnerships, Liverpool City Council and the North West Regional Development Agency.


Source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/4917664.stm)

[Kev]

WORK begins today on a £350m project to transform Edge Lane in Liverpool.

The scheme will widen the eastern gateway into the city with 550 homes being built as part of a huge expansion and regeneration package.

Liverpool Land Development Company is leading the project that is expected to create and safeguard a total of 1,900 jobs.

The changes have been controversial, with many residents protesting against the scheme which ordered the compulsory purchase of 490 homes and 24 businesses.

Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley will meet David Waugh, chief executive of LLDC, this morning to mark the start of the work.

The £65m road widening project, which will make the full length of Edge Lane a dual carriageway, is due to be completed in time for Liverpool's Capital of Culture year in 2008, though the full regeneration of the area is expected to take longer.

The former Littlewoods building will be redeveloped into a mixed-use residential, leisure and commercial site. And a science park with 260,000 sq ft for offices and laboratories is planned for the former MTL bus site.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescot finally gave the controversial plans the go-ahead in February.

David Waugh said: "The significance of the Edge Lane corridor for the wider prosperity of Liverpool cannot be overstated.

"This project will create a new high-quality gateway into the city centre, help in the drive to attract new jobs and investment and improve the local environment for people who live and work in the Edge Lane area.

"Indeed, the project will act as a catalyst for regeneration throughout the whole of eastern Liverpool, helping to promote economic growth."

[Kev]

ONLY a harsh winter of Russian proportions will prevent Liverpool's Edge Lane widening scheme from being completed on time.

The confident prediction was related yesterday by City Council leader Warren Bradley as work started on the £350m regeneration project to transform the key eastern gateway and rebuild homes and businesses in Kensington and Wavertree.

More than 550 houses will be built and 1,900 jobs will be created by the project but developers are still fighting a high court challenge by local residents protesting against compulsory purchase orders (CPOs).

The £65m plan to widen the road will turn it into a full-length dual carriageway which is due to be completed by the end of 2007, in time for the city's Capital of Culture year, while the extensive development of surrounding areas will be staggered over the next five to 10 years.

Cllr Bradley said: "I don't see any reason why the road will not be finished by the end of next year. I have been told that, unless we see a particularly harsh winter of Russian temperatures, the road will be finished by the expected end date."

He added: "This community has waited for many years to see improvements. It is important to have a gateway that we can be proud of like other world-class cities.

"But the most important benefit of the project is what it will do for those local communities that for the past 20 years have only seen businesses pulling out of the area."

Cllr Bradley arrived on the building site with David Waugh, chief executive of Liverpool Land Development Company (LLDC) -the company leading the project.

The extensive scheme is expected to bring in £120m in private sector investment for related projects and will create more than 1million sq ft of new and refurbished commercial and retail floorspace.

Mr Waugh said: "We are confident we will have a complete highway in place by the end of 2007. Everything is in order and the only delay is in the commencement of Edge Lane West where the CPOs have been challenged by a few local people.

"We hope that the small number of people - maybe five or six - aren't going to delay a scheme that offers tremendous benefits to the local community and to Liverpool as a whole."

Preliminary work is being carried out today on Edge Lane Central, close to the former JCM Building on Edge Lane, with major digging work due to start on the road in the next fortnight.

Congestion on the road is to be expected.

Anyone looking for up-to-date daily traffic information on Edge Lane can visit www.edgelane.info or call the LLDC traffic line on 0151 210 3939.

kate.mansey@liverpool.com

[Howie]

£500k extra for Edge Lane firm
May 10 2006
By Sam Lister Daily Post Staff

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/apr2006/4/1/B68491B9-05C9-2697-143CB0AE1BED8AE1.jpg

THE company behind demolition of thousands of homes in Edge Lane was last night criticised because it is to get an extra £500,000 of public money.

Liverpool Land Development Company will use the cash to carry on its work over the next two years.

The organisation is made up from the North West Development Agency (NWDA), English Partnerships (EP) and Liverpool City Council, which has applied for the extra funding.

But Liberal Party leader Steve Radford claims it could easily find the money itself by dropping parts of the Edge Lane demolition scheme.

He said: "It is £500,000 at the moment but how do we know that is not going to keep rising?

"We should not be signing blank cheques, particularly when the money could be found quite easily.

"They could reduce their costs and still achieve their objects by re-drawing the Edge Lane scheme.

"There are thousands of homes that are needlessly being demolished under these plans, homes that people do not want to move out of.

"Instead they want more public money. People are deeply unhappy with this scheme, which is one of the main ones it is responsible for."

Work started last month on the contentious Edge Lane scheme which will widen the eastern gateway into the city and see 550 homes built.

Many residents have protested against the changes after the compulsory purchase of 490 homes and 24 businesses.

In April 2003 the city council was awarded £1.5m of European funding to fund LLDC, just under half of the total operating budget.

It has been behind 30 projects in the city but its most high profile are Edge Lane and Liverpool Science Park, which are still a long way from completion.

Liverpool City Council pays for its operating costs and asked the Government Office North West to apply for European funding on its behalf, but was initially told it was reluctant to step in because it felt its budget was sufficient.

But it has now agreed to hand over the £500,000 over a two year period.

The council has also had to increase its own contribution to LLDC by an extra £250,000 a year between now and 2008.

A spokesman for the city council said: "This money is to provide support for all of LLDCs projects, not just Edge Lane.

"The European money is not for meeting housing costs."

LLDC, which was set up in 2003 and runs until 2009, insists money earmarked for capital projects such as Edge Lane could not be used to fund other costs.

A spokeswoman said: "LLDC is very pleased that Liverpool City Council is giving due consideration to the continued support of LLDC in delivering a range of high quality commercial and mixed use schemes across Liverpool.

"LLDC has worked consistently to deliver its business plan projects which have been endorsed by all its funding partners.

"To date, LLDC has created over 3,000 jobs, delivered over 45,000m2 of new commercial floorspace and has attracted £313m of private sector funding to Liverpool.

"Urban regeneration projects are often complex and long term and it is excellent news that Liverpool is able to make a long term commitment to economic growth in the Strategic Investment Areas."

samlister@dailypost.co.uk

Source: icLiverpool (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17056149%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26page=1%26headline=%2dpound%2d500k%2dextra%2dfor% 2dedge%2dlane%2dfirm-name_page.html)

[Kev]

High Court bid to stop demolition


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41342000/jpg/_41342426_edge_lane203.jpg
Developers wants to spend £350m regenerating the area


A £350m plan to demolish hundreds of homes in Liverpool is a "return to the bad old days of 60s' clearances," the High Court has heard.

Resident Elizabeth Pascoe, of Edge Lane, was beginning a legal fight against plans to bulldoze hundreds of homes to build a dual carriageway.

Mrs Pascoe, 59, faces losing her Victorian terraced home after a compulsory purchase order (CPO).

She is asking the judge to quash the decision by Deputy PM John Prescott.

'Social cleansing'

Her counsel Robert McCracken told Mr Justice Forbes the scheme had been described by Liverpool Wavertree MP Jane Kennedy as "a form of social cleansing."

About 400 residents could be forced to sell their homes.

Mrs Pascoe, backed by many neighbours who are refusing to move, believes the decision by Mr Prescott, when he was responsible for planning control, will destroy the community.

Mr McCracken told the court: "Not surprisingly, the scheme is controversial, both locally and nationally. Critics say it is, in architectural terms, a return to the bad old days of the 1960s' clearances."

He added that the process which allowed the scheme was legally flawed.

Human Rights

Mrs Pascoe argues the Urban Regeneration Agency, which issued the CPO operating under the name English Partnerships, did not have power to issue it for her home, and Mr Prescott, in approving it, misdirected himself in law.

She also claims that the CPO breaches Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to respect for family life and home.

The Government and English Partnerships argue that the scheme is intended to revitalise a deprived area and provide an attractive entrance to the city.

The court hearing is set for two days with a reserve judgement expected.

source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/5210808.stm)....

[Kev]

The court hearing is set for two days with a reserve judgement expected.




What's a reserve judgement?

[Paul D]

What's a reserve judgement?

I don't know but I think we'd be best just renovating the present homes instead of replacing them with the rubbish they are proposing.:disgust:

[Kev]

I don't know but I think we'd be best just renovating the present homes instead of replacing them with the rubbish they are proposing.:disgust:

I do want this regeneration to take place without delay. Can it continue without demolishing the homes in question? To restore the old Victorian homes makes sense, but the rest? I wonder.

[Waterways]

I don't know but I think we'd be best just renovating the present homes instead of replacing them with the rubbish they are proposing.:disgust:

Yes, and more people dying of hypothermia.

[Waterways]

I do want this regeneration to take place without delay. Can it continue without demolishing the homes in question? To restore the old Victorian homes makes sense, but the rest? I wonder.

New house can be made to look like anything you want to. There is no sense is keeping crap energy inefficent buildings. It is cheaper to demolish and build proper houses.

[Howie]

Resident challenges demolition in the High Court
Jul 25 2006
Daily Post

THE planned demolition of hundreds of Victorian homes in Liverpool to make way for a dual carriageway and new housing was challenged in the High Court yesterday by a resident who is determined not to quit.

More (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17442245%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=resident%2dchallenges%2ddemolition%2din %2dthe%2dhigh%2dcourt%2d-name_page.html)...


Human rights 'breached by Edge Lane clearance'
Jul 25 2006
Liverpool Echo

RESIDENTS claim plans to demolish hundreds of homes off Liverpool's Edge Lane breach their human rights.

More (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17444318%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=human%2drights%2d%2dbreached%2dby%2dedg e%2dlane%2dclearance%2d-name_page.html)...


I know Liz, this won't be the end of the matter.

[wallasey]

I do want this regeneration to take place without delay. Can it continue without demolishing the homes in question? To restore the old Victorian homes makes sense, but the rest? I wonder.

If you go on Google Earth or something like that, it is clear that the Grand Victorian homes on Edge Lane are inadequate for families to live in. But, the street running behind both sides of Edge Lane (thats Royston Street and Toft Street) can be pulled down so that Edge Lane homes can have gardens and also off street parking. If this were to happen, the homes would be desirable as there would be space to the back of them. If so desired, the houses on Stamford Street would also recieve gardens too.

Now, As for the junction with Durning Road and Holt Road, I would remove it completely and close off the two roads. As Holt Road is a shopping street, I would pedestrianise it and create a place where the community can both meet and take pride in. Holt Road could be home to so many shops, bars and restaurants if it was pedestrianised and refurbised. The traffic would be diverted down Needham Road and Botanic Road. This might mean a little diversion if you are wishing to use Tunnel Road, but overall, this would be a better plan. Besides which, Edge Lane is wider at Botanic Road and so Rush Hour delays would be reduced.

Thats what I would do anyway. This area needs to be conserved. Not reduced to rubble. Speacking of which, weren't there plans to make this part of Edge Lane into a conservation area???

[Howie]

There was a counter-proposal that involved only the demolition of the houses necessary for the road widening but it was not accepted. This scheme is more about providing an attractive gateway into the city for the visitors to the European Capital of Culture 2008.

PS. The Holt Rd/Cameron St area is to be demolished in a few years time if John Prescott's other proposals go ahead.

[wallasey]

Not all of Holt Road? No! What is going on here? I heard that some land off Holt Road would be made availible for the Edge Lane folk but I thought that that was rejected a while back.

[Howie]

Last meeting I attended (albeit some time ago as I've given up going to them) they said that the whole area from Holt Road to Cameron St. would be demolished in 5 years time funding etc. permitting.

PS. Here's a pic of the Edge Lane proposal.
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2005/1/2/00000A24-8534-1325-97460C01AC1BF814.jpg

[julia]

New house can be made to look like anything you want to. There is no sense is keeping crap energy inefficent buildings. It is cheaper to demolish and build proper houses.

Cheaper to demolish old Victorians and rebuild the same Victorians from scratch with the same details but in energy efficient ways? Can it really be done, because it looks to me that they're not doing it. They're replacing Victorian design with modern design.

There was a property I know of that sold for 70,000. When the buyer tried to obtain insurance for the house, the insurance company said that under a rebuild policy they would need to insure for 160,000. Because even though the present house was worth 70,000, it would cost 160,000 to replace it. Would adding insulation and heating products to this house "as is" actually cost the buyer 90,000?

Why widen the road? I say just get rid of the cars. Everybody needs to walk or take the bus, trams and trains. Spend the money on police to protect us from the violent, anti-social, and drug elements in the community. Maybe if Liverpool did that, there would be fewer derelict properties they would have to worry about demolishing or refurbishing.

[wallasey]

Well according to North West Tonight (26th july) the residents interviewed said that the victorian houses lining Edge Lane would be demolished but the road wouldn't be widened one bit. The land would be used for yuppyhousing/apartments to be built on. Now, I don't want to put Kensington/Edge Hill down but I hardy think that this is the idea place for brand new Yuppy housing to be built. It would look very tacky seeing as the area is surrounded by terraces anyway!

[Howie]

Well according to North West Tonight (26th july) the residents interviewed said that the victorian houses lining Edge Lane would be demolished but the road wouldn't be widened one bit. The land would be used for yuppyhousing/apartments to be built on. Now, I don't want to put Kensington/Edge Hill down but I hardy think that this is the idea place for brand new Yuppy housing to be built. It would look very tacky seeing as the area is surrounded by terraces anyway!
The idea is to hide Kensington, Wavertree, etc., behind a facade of apartments from the visitors to the European Capital of Culture 2008. It's a bit like when communist China used to put up hoardings along the side of the roads to hide the plight of the peasants from visiting dignitaries. :rolleyes:

[wallasey]

If I didn't know better, I would say that Liverpool City Council and English Partnerships are trying to hide Liverpool's heritage and victorian legacy away from prying eyes. Are they ashamed of what is there?

Personally, I would say that plonking yuppy housing in a traditional, victorian area is just goinf to cause more social problems. Also the clash is just going to make the place took grotty around the seams! Have these people have no consideraton for the people who have to live there?

[Howie]

Unfortunately this is what's happening here. See, for example, Liverpool gap between rich and poor highest in UK (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17383354%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=liverpool%2dgap%2dbetween%2drich%2dand% 2dpoor%2dhighest%2din%2duk-name_page.html). :disgust:

According to the report Liverpool has emerged as the city having the greatest discrepancy between rich and poor.

It will come as little surprise to a city that has seen million-pound luxury apartments built among the most deprived households in Europe.

[Scousemouse]

CACI compiles its results based on a system that estimates gross household incomes based on postcodes.
ESTIMATES gross household incomes? ...Sounds like a pretty accurate survey to me! :disgust:


The lowest household income in the country is £16,000...
I'll bet many a pensioner household wishes they were on £16,000, ...or am I missing something?

:rolleyes:

[Howie]

http://www.edgelane.com/images/mainimage2.jpg (http://www.edgelane.com/)

The long awaited Edge Lane Project is an ambitious programme of commercial,
residential and infrastructure improvements that will rejuvenate an area that
was once an economically thriving part of Liverpool and, at the same time,
transform one of the most important routes into the city centre.

www.edgelane.com (http://www.edgelane.com/) :rolleyes:

[Max]

They've built residential places like that already on Rathbone road on Wavertree.

I admit that Edge needs doing up as it's a pit and the kids around there are arses sometimes but what about the people who live there? Can;t just demolish like that.

[Kev]

EDGE Lane can become the Speke Boulevard of north Liverpool, acting as a catalyst for jobs and investment. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17694841%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=edge%2dlane%2dis%2d%2dgateway%2dto%2d2% 2d000%2dnew%2djobs%2dfor%2dcity%2d-name_page.html)

[Howie]

EDGE Lane can become the Speke Boulevard of north Liverpool, acting as a catalyst for jobs and investment. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17694841%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=edge%2dlane%2dis%2d%2dgateway%2dto%2d2% 2d000%2dnew%2djobs%2dfor%2dcity%2d-name_page.html)
I'm sure that thought will cheer up the people who are losing their homes. :rolleyes:

[Max]

Edge lane is the south Kev.

I don't know how the hell they can just take peoples home from them though, especially if they own it.

[Kev]

Edge lane is the south Kev.

I don't know how the hell they can just take peoples home from them though, especially if they own it.

It was a line from the Echo Max, anyway isn't Edge Lane East?

[Kev]

A PLAN to transform east Liverpool at a cost of £350m has been unveiled by city development bosses.

Liverpool Land Development Company lifted the lid on its scheme to regenerate the so-called Edge Lane corridor - a busy route into the city from the M62 motorway.

More than 150 people attended the unveiling at the former Littlewoods building on Edge Lane - set to be converted into apartments, shops and a hotel.

David Waugh, chief executive of Liverpool Land Development Company, commented: "The Edge Lane Project will provide a new 'front door' for Liverpool in time for the city's Capital of Culture Year in 2008.

"As well as transforming Edge Lane itself the scheme will act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the whole of eastern Liverpool."

The project involves making the whole length of Edge Lane a dual carriageway to reduce congestion.

Bosses hope it will create and safeguard 1,900 jobs, improve local services and road safety and will see 100 new trees planted.

Council leader Warren Bradley said: "Many thousands of visitors to Liverpool use Edge Lane to enter the city and it is vital we have a gateway which makes a good first impression.

"This scheme will transform one of the major entrance points to Liverpool and improve life tremendously for local residents and businesses."

[Scousemouse]

More than 150 people attended the unveiling at the former Littlewoods building on Edge Lane - set to be converted into apartments, shops and a hotel.
I wonder if the developers realise that some years ago the Littlewoods Buildings (there are two) were covered in a rubbery solution from top to toe? It was supposed to stop the salts in the brickwork pushing the plaster off the walls inside! With little success, I may add. Guess it'll cost a few bob to put that right!! :rolleyes:

[Paul D]

Here's a flythrough of the Edge Lane project.

http://www.edgelane.com/

[Harry]

I thought one of the main reasons for the Edge Lane project was to move traffic faster into the city centre from the motorway.
Looking at the flythrough, big chunks of it are still two lanes with trees jutting out to provide parking spaces. All this will do is cause bottlenecks.
Also, the graphics don't reveal what will happen to the outskirts of the city centre around Edge Hill-Kensington area where traffic really builds up.
What does anyone else think.

[Kev]

Here's a flythrough of the Edge Lane project.

http://www.edgelane.com/

I'm suprised that the only widening happens at the junction of Holt Road. Everything else is as it is now except the old victorian houses that look onto Edge Lane at Holt Rd opposite Botanic Park.

[sweetpatooti]

What's happening with St Cyprian's? My Mam and Dad got married there.

[lindylou]

I heard that it was to be pulled down.

[Soreofhing]

I live the other side of the world and have a couple of questions with regards to your area (which I have never visited).

I had a remote ancestor living at 84 Royston Street in 1913. Will this house be affected by the redevelopment scheme?
Are Kensington and Edge Hill near to each other?
How far is Edge Hill from Toxteth Park?

Best regards from Mexico
Rob

[bobbymac]

Well m8, Edge hill and Kenny are pretty well next door to each other.
If you goto Google, or Multi map, you can check all this stuff out. Cheers, Bob,

[Kev]

I live the other side of the world and have a couple of questions with regards to your area (which I have never visited).

I had a remote ancestor living at 84 Royston Street in 1913. Will this house be affected by the redevelopment scheme?
Are Kensington and Edge Hill near to each other?
How far is Edge Hill from Toxteth Park?

Best regards from Mexico
Rob

Welcome Soreofhing :celb (23):

[lindylou]

Hi and welcome.
Those areas are all linked. Kensington runs into Edge Hill, and parts of Edge Hill border with the edge of Toxteth ... running up to Parliament st.

I would think that Royston st will be affected by the plans.

[Howie]

I had a remote ancestor living at 84 Royston Street in 1913. Will this house be affected by the redevelopment scheme?
Yes, Royston Street is to be demolished.

[Soreofhing]

Thanks for the real scouse welcome! My dear old grandad would have been happy to see the nice welcome I received; he was born in Lark Lane, Wavertree in 1875.
Cheers bobbymac, lindylou, Kev and Howie.
Rob in the depths of Mexico

[Kev]

Thanks for the real scouse welcome! My dear old grandad would have been happy to see the nice welcome I received; he was born in Lark Lane, Wavertree in 1875.
Cheers bobbymac, lindylou, Kev and Howie.
Rob in the depths of Mexico

It's a pleasure Rob, anyway we can help, give us a buzz! Hope u enjoy the rest of the site :)

[shytalk]

Soreofhing,
Your relative from Royston St. wasn't by any chance named Holmes was he?

BTW Lark Lane isn't Wavertree, it is off Aigburth Rd.

[lindylou]

Yes, Lark lane is postcode Liverpool 17 - Aigburth.

[Scousemouse]

Some nice pics of Lark Lane HERE (http://www.liverpoolpictorial.co.uk/lark/index.html). Click on the pics to enlarge.

[bobbymac]

I remember when we'd ride down Beech St. at that point on Edge lane there was the median, of course, we'd dodge right, (the wrong way, when there wasn't much traffic) Lol.

[Norm NZ]

Thanks for the real scouse welcome! My dear old grandad would have been happy to see the nice welcome I received; he was born in Lark Lane, Wavertree in 1875.
Cheers bobbymac, lindylou, Kev and Howie.
Rob in the depths of Mexico

Welcome! Just to let you know, Lark Lane is in Aigburth, Check-out the "Lark Lane Web Site" you may find it interesting.

[lindylou]

Lark lane is a great area.

[Scousemouse]

I live the other side of the world and have a couple of questions with regards to your area (which I have never visited).

I had a remote ancestor living at 84 Royston Street in 1913. Will this house be affected by the redevelopment scheme?

Hi, Rob, no your ancestor's house won't be affected, simply because it isn't there anymore! In the pic below, your ancestor's house would have been where the newer houses are in Royston Street.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b66/scousemousepic/RoystonStreetL7.jpg
This is taken from the other side of Royston Street, so your ancestor's house would have been similar in style to those in the foreground.

[lindylou]

That's brilliant Scousemouse. :)

[Scousemouse]

Thank you very much, madam. :rolleyes: :)

[Soreofhing]

Mornin' scousers
No Shytalk, my ancestor was Hubert Charles Parry who married my great aunt Lillias Bather on 4 Feb. 1913 at Christ Church, Linnet Lane.
Like so many others, poor young Hubert went off to war and was killed in action on 4 Feb. 1915--on his second wedding anniversary. His details are to be found in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website and he is buried at the Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, Pas-de-Calais, France. A warehouseman turned rifleman.

At the time of their marriage, Lillias was living at 38 Bickerton Street, Toxteth Park.

Sorry about confusing Wavertree with Edge Hill folks, I'm not from your area and get confused easily. By the way I might as well tell all you good folks straight out that I'm a Londoner. There! I'm outed!

The photos are really super Scousemouse! Thanks a lot.
I'll download them and add them to Hubert and Lillias' file. I've got lots of them and many from the Liverpool/Wirral area.
Pity #84 doesn't exist any more, but at least I get an idea from the bricked up houses in the foreground. Does that signify that this is a rundown tough area nowadays?
And the photos of Lark Lane are pleasantly Victorian with all the red brick houses, slate roofs and pubs. I love the masonry lamp posts--who built them and why?
I had imagined Lark Lane as being a quiet country lane with lots trees and birds singing......not the sort place where you'd find a Rolls Royce dealship.
cheers

[shytalk]

soreofhing.
The masonry lamp posts you refer to are the gateposts at the entrance to Sefton Park.

[wallasey]

Anyone seen the Promo video of the Edge Lane redevelopment? Theres a link to it off the Ech Website. Will try and find it for you...

[Soreofhing]

Scousemouse
Did you actually go out and take the Royston Street photo just for me?
Many many thanks!
I get back to the UK occasionally, but I'm ****ed if I won't get up to Royston Street (if it hasn't been pulled down beforehand) and have a couple of pints in the Royston Arms. What are the local beers? And what is typical old fashioned pub food in Liverpool?
Soreofhing

[Soreofhing]

Thanks Shytalk.
Does the park still exist?

[shytalk]

Yes it does, there are lots of pics on here, it is the biggest of Liverpool parks I think, I missed going there on my last trip to the UK, I spent a lot of time there when I was young. The palmhouse has recently been restored and also some of the statues. If you get to Liverpool it is worth a visit.

[Gazzab]

What's happening with St Cyprian's? My Mam and Dad got married there.

Mine too. It's also where I got christened.

[scouserdave]

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=625434998960888368&hl=en-GB
Liverpool Land Development's video, slightly re-edited by the Scouse Times folks:unibrow:

[Max]

Some nice pics of Lark Lane HERE (http://www.liverpoolpictorial.co.uk/lark/index.html). Click on the pics to enlarge.

My dads is not far from Lark Lane.:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

Accross the park for me.:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[Urban]

To get back to the point of Edge Lane I can't see the need to knock all the houses in the area down.

Some of them could be demolished but most could be renovated.

These developments put cars before people and I fear that the area could end up the same way as Scottie Road when they built the tunnel which just looks like a nondescript motorway.

[Scousemouse]

I get back to the UK occasionally, but I'm ****ed if I won't get up to Royston Street (if it hasn't been pulled down beforehand) and have a couple of pints in the Royston Arms. What are the local beers? And what is typical old fashioned pub food in Liverpool?
SoreofhingThanks, Rob.

If you're going to to have a pint in that pub you'd better take a crowbar and a six pack, 'cos it's the pub in the pic - boarded up. As you say, I think you're ****ed! :rolleyes:

As for Pub Grub, there's not much to choose, most is supplied by the same food preparation companies, if it's not boiled in the bag it's probably microwaved. It's all much of a muchness... :eek: :)

[Kev]

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=625434998960888368&hl=en-GB
Liverpool Land Development's video, slightly re-edited by the Scouse Times folks:unibrow:

Very good and quite saddening at the same time :disgust:

[wallasey]

It's so good and so true!

Seriously though, who else apart from me thinks that a scam is going on? There's something really fishy about this and I hope that it gets scrappaed and the plans from the 1970's are put into action.

The M62 was always meant to go into the city and would have followed the railway line thus meaning that Edge Lane was unaffected. The motorway would then have either...

A) Gone into a tunnel and terminated on Islington (ever wondered why there is a gyratory on Low Hill? Well, in that triangle where the brown warehouses are, the M62 would have emerged and freeflowed onto Islington)

B) Run onto Upper Parly Street somehow.

The M62 into Liverpool City Centre was scrapped because the proposed Inner Liverpool Motorway was also scrapped.

All the above is why I find Edge Lane so distressing. There has always mean to be a high standard road flowing into the city, But Edge Lane wasn't the intended route.

For more information, Click here (http://www.cbrd.co.uk/histories/lim/) and have a look at the plans!

[Kev]

RESIDENTS fear lives will be at risk after a £300m regeneration scheme involving their neighbourhood.

Plans for the transformation of Edge Lane from the city centre to the Rocket flyover have been altered, leaving some householders with nowhere to park.

People living along the Edge Lane Drive stretch had been promised parking bays to end the current practice of parking on the pavement.

The bays would also enable those who have driveways to reverse out onto the main road without fear of colliding into on-coming traffic. But work has already begun and the parking bay plan has been abandoned without any consultation, according to residents.

Bill Davies, 56, who has lived on Edge Lane Drive for 10 years, said: “During my time in this house we have seen eight people killed on this stretch of road.

“We desperately need to make the route safer for everyone.

“We thought that would happen because the parking bays would enable cars to be parked up out of the way of traffic, it would also help people with driveways to reverse out safely.

“But I think we have been fooled, the plans have changed and our lives are going to be put at risk.”

Source (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=baying-for-safety%26method=full%26objectid=17875132%26siteid= 50061-name_page.html)...

[peewak]

If the government had finshed the building the M62

ie the inner liverpool motorway, then we wouldn't be knocking down homes on edge lane now 30 years later

[Howie]

Bulldozers moving in to Edge Lane
Oct 26

2006
Liverpool Echo

BULLDOZERS will move into Edge Lane next week to start pulling down empty houses.

Regeneration

officials will start demolition despite uncertainty about the future of the multi-million pound scheme to widen the road and build anew community next to it.



Work will concentrate on large Victorian houses lining the west end of Edge Lane, many of which have been unoccupied for some time.

All those

due to be ripped down have already been bought up and are now the subject of the court battle between Liverpool Land Development Company and residents.



LLDC chief executive David Waugh said: "The start of work at Edge Lane West is a very important milestone for this project.



Story continues (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=bulldozers-moving-in-to-edge-lane%26method=full%26objectid=17995510%26sit

eid=50061-name_page.html#story_continue)...

[Howie]

Edge Lane scheme set to go ahead
Oct 27 2006
By Sam Lister Daily Post Staff

HOMEOWNERS fighting the contentious Edge

Lane road-widening scheme will be forced to look on as bulldozers move in on Monday to pull down hundreds of surrounding houses.

Despite a successful

High Court challenge brought by a resident opposing the plans, 265 derelict properties will be demolished over the next few months as the much-delayed

regeneration project gets under way.

Officials insist the work will pave the way for a multi-million pound facelift for the area, including new homes

to replace the run-down buildings.

But campaigner Elizabeth Pascoe, who brought the legal case against the organisations involved, last night

insisted the new road still cannot go ahead.

She said: "They are trying to take a stance to prove something. This is political sabre-rattling.



"They can knock them down, but the road still cannot go ahead while the other houses are still standing." The stretch of land, in the Edge Lane West

area, is being cleared to make way for major road improvements to remove the traffic bottleneck at St Cyprian's Church. It includes realigning the road,

widening it to dual carriageway and introducing a central reservation.

The project is being delivered by Liverpool Land Development Company (LLDC)

the Northwest Regional Development Agency, English Partnerships and Liverpool City Council.

David Waugh, LLDC chief executive, said: "The start of

work on Edge Lane West is a very important milestone for this project, which will provide the local community with new homes, new community and retail

facilities in place of currently derelict properties and a much safer road."

Last month a High Court judge refused to rubber-stamp a compulsory

purchase order forcing residents fighting the plans to leave.

Ms Pascoe argued the plan to buy up her home was a breach of her human rights, meaning

the whole project could potentially have to be redrawn.

A further ruling is expected next month.

Liverpool's Labour leader Joe Anderson

said: "This scheme seems to be just about tarting up the road.

"When I supported this I was given the false impression it was about improving traffic

flow but that doesn't appear to be the case at all.

"I can't see anything that will speed up the journey from the motorway to the city centre."



Cllr Marilyn Fielding, Liverpool's executive member for housing and neighbourhoods, said:

"The removal of derelict properties replaced by a

new housing development alongside large-scale environmental improvements will create a stunning gateway into the city."



samlister@dailypost.co.uk

Source:

icLiverpool (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=edge-lane-scheme-set-to-go-ahead%26method=full%26objectid=17999079%2

6siteid=50061-name_page.html)

[Howie]

Edge Lane order stops bulldozers
Oct 30 2006
By Alan

Weston Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2006/4/3/F3171AE8-E590-15BC-5C878A175CEB5B31.jpg

AN

INJUNCTION was served on Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley and others last night to stop bulldozers moving in to demolish hundreds of homes as part of

the Edge Lane road-widening scheme.

Solicitors acting on behalf of campaigner and local resident Elizabeth Pascoe - who brought a successful High

Court challenge to prevent the scheme from going ahead - obtained the injunction over the weekend.

It means that if the council, and other parties

involved with the scheme, press ahead with the demolition as planned this morning, they could be found in contempt of court.

The action was taken

after the council and lead organisation Liverpool Land Development Company announced at the end of last week that they were pressing ahead with the

demolition of 265 derelict properties which are already in public ownership to pave the way for a multi-million pound facelift for the area, including new

homes to replace the rundown

buildings.

Story continues (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=edge-lane-order-stops-bulldozers%26method=full%26o

bjectid=18012741%26siteid=50061-name_page.html#story_continue)...

[AK1]

Edge Lane order stops bulldozers
Oct 30 2006
By Alan Weston Daily

Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2006/4/3/F3171AE8-E590-15BC-5C878A175CEB5B31.jpg

AN INJUNCTION was

served on Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley and others last night to stop bulldozers moving in to demolish hundreds of homes as part of the Edge Lane

road-widening scheme.

Solicitors acting on behalf of campaigner and local resident Elizabeth Pascoe - who brought a successful High Court challenge to

prevent the scheme from going ahead - obtained the injunction over the weekend.

It means that if the council, and other parties involved with the

scheme, press ahead with the demolition as planned this morning, they could be found in contempt of court.

The action was taken after the council and

lead organisation Liverpool Land Development Company announced at the end of last week that they were pressing ahead with the demolition of 265 derelict

properties which are already in public ownership to pave the way for a multi-million pound facelift for the area, including new homes to replace the rundown

buildings.

Story continues (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=edge-lane-order-stops-bulldozers%26method=full%26o

bjectid=18012741%26siteid=50061-name_page.html#story_continue)...

Here we go again. The selfish, narrow minded

minority getting in the way of something that the vast majority of people want. They say they where forced into taking out an injunction because they didn't

know which properties are going to be demolished, what!! It might just be the derelict, boarded-up ones along edge lane as LLDC said. These people are

looking for any excuse to save these houses at any cost. Even if these houses where renovated, no-one will want to live in them because of the proximity to

the road and the lack of local amenities. I actually read somewhere that one of the protestors said that the road could be widened by taking the front

gardens off the houses!!! What a joke. So people would step out of their front door straight onto a tiny pavement with a busy dual carriageway next to

it!!
I am the last person to want any of Liverpols heritage to go, but I am capable of seeing the bigger picture and realising that these properties

aren't wanted anymore and have to go.I am fed up with the constant criticism of this scheme as alot of people are. This is about creating a better, safer

and quicker entrance into Liverpool. Some people have said they can't see how it is going to make journey times quicker and improve safety, I can! At the

bottleneck, the road will be widened from 1 lane in each direction to 2 and at one point there will be 3, one dedicated for right hand turns to keep the

other 2 lanes flowing. There will be a central reservation with a barrier and brand new pedestrian crossings, both of which will improve safety. There are

currently 0 crossings at this junction. The pavements on each side will be very wide with trees to screen the road and the new housing and shops set way back

from the road.
There is no doubt that this scheme will make this area safer, cleaner and more desireable for people to live and work.

[snappel]

I admire the woman's determination.

Still, if it was up to me I'd ban cars from the town centre and put in better public transport systems (like trams perhaps), or have a congestion charge.

Perhaps if people weren't so lazy they'd park and then allow themselves 20 minutes to walk to work. Also, we'd all be a lot healthier for it.

On

the subject of the Edge Lane demolition, I can't say I'm a big fan of boarded up disused houses, but if the developers can't be specific about which

houses they intend to knock down, then it's their own silly fault that this injunction has been issued.

[Kev]

this is the time we live in,everyone will lose

out :disgust:

[AK1]

At least the rest of the project is going ahead as planned. (Touch wood)

[shytalk]

It looks good but it might move the accident black spot gfrom the Rocket to town,

which will be the end of the new racetrack. Or am I being cynical?

[theninesisters]

I had a good nose around Edge Lane yesterday as I needed information for my Liverpool Stop the Rot website at

www.cobblers.moonfruit.com

Going past the houses in a car, you just think they're a load of old rot, but when you get up to them and see

the intricate brickwork, and going around the side and rear of the properties, they are massive.

I know there are two sides to the coin regarding

this but I fully back Elizabeth Pascoe for her work. At the end of the day, her house was at risk of CPO and I'm sure if it was your own house, you'd do

what you could to save it. Fully agree that the area has gone downhill - but as usual, the council come along and just try and sweep it all under the carpet.

Imagine the scene of coming off the M62 and seeing all those Victorian houses done up and looking how they used to look - rather than being greated by a load

of prefab flats that'll fall down in 20 years anyway.

[AK1]

I had a good nose around

Edge Lane yesterday as I needed information for my Liverpool Stop the Rot website at www.cobblers.moonfruit.com

Going past the houses in a

car, you just think they're a load of old rot, but when you get up to them and see the intricate brickwork, and going around the side and rear of the

properties, they are massive.

I know there are two sides to the coin regarding this but I fully back Elizabeth Pascoe for her work. At the end of the

day, her house was at risk of CPO and I'm sure if it was your own house, you'd do what you could to save it. Fully agree that the area has gone downhill -

but as usual, the council come along and just try and sweep it all under the carpet. Imagine the scene of coming off the M62 and seeing all those Victorian

houses done up and looking how they used to look - rather than being greated by a load of prefab flats that'll fall down in 20 years

anyway.

I fully agree that it would be great if this could be done, but it can't. The road has to be widened and made safer for the public,

and alot of these houses are beyond repair. Even the ones that could be repaired would cost unbelievable amounts to refurbish. No-one wants to live in these

houses, and if this project doesn't go ahead, they will get even more undesirable as the road becomes gridlocked over the next couple of years. We have to

move on!
( The new flats and houses that will be built aren't pre-fabricated and will actually be made from some of the best building materials around.

This project is of the highest quality!)

[Howie]

Lawyers called in as Edge Lane scheme halted
Oct 31 2006
By Sam

Lister

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/oct2006/0/0/0D23C86F-CC00-537B-0EA46B11CE8F8E0B.jpg

OFFICIALS in charge

of building the city's motorway link road were last night consulting lawyers after the £350m scheme was brought to a halt.

Protesters served an

injunction just hours before demolition work on hundreds of homes was set to begin, paving the way for the Edge Lane widening project .

And yesterday

they continued to keep the pressure up by campaigning outside a city council presentation about demolition schemes.

Liberal Party leader Steve

Radford, who is opposing the scheme, delivered the injunction to Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley's home on Sunday night and yesterday morning served

it on council chief executive Colin

Hilton.

Story continues (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=lawyers-called-in-as-edge-lane-scheme-halted%26method=full%26o

bjectid=18018028%26page=1%26siteid=50061-name_page.html#story_continue)...

[Harry]

These buildings are ugly, red-brick

sh*te.
Knock them down.
Edge Lane isn't the Champs Elysee or Park Lane, its a main route into Liverpool city centre and its too narrow.
Cars

aren't going away soon so we have to make the best of what we have for the times in which we live.
This is not the 1800's or the year 3000.

[Howie]

Campaign victory in fight to save homes
Nov 24 2006
Liverpool Echo

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2006/4/3/F3171AE8-E590-15BC-5C878A175CEB5B31.jpg

CAMPAIGNERS today won a major victory in the battle to save hundreds of homes in Liverpool's Edge Lane.

A judge officially quashed a legal order forcing dozens of residents to sell their houses so they could be bulldozed.

His decision followed weeks of uncertainty and marks a stunning success for grandmother Elizabeth Pascoe, 60, who led the campaign.

After spending huge amounts of taxpayers' money to get this far, government officials insist they will not give up.

Story continues (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=campaign-victory-in-fight-to-save-homes%26method=full%26objectid=18151927%26siteid=5 0061-name_page.html#story_continue)...

[Howie]

New CPO bid for Edge Lane
Nov 25 2006
By Larry Neild

The agency behind the widening of the key central route into Liverpool, the Edge Lane corridor, is to seek a new compulsory purchase order for the scheme.

It follows a successful high court challenge by local resident Elizabeth Pascoe who argued to judges that her home should not be demolished for the road widening scheme.

English Partnerships last night announced that it is to seek a new CPO for Edge Lane West, the stretch at the centre of the legal wrangle.

The process will take time, delaying by up to 16 months what has been considered a critical road scheme for access to the city from the end of the M62 at the Rocket interchange.

Eliot Lewis-Ward, English Partnership’s area director said last night: “The judge made it clear that English Partnerships' approach to the use of its powers was sound and entirely appropriate for area-wide regeneration schemes such as at Edge Lane West.

Story continues (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=new-cpo-bid-for-edge-lane%26method=full%26objectid=18154969%26siteid=50 061-name_page.html#story_continue)...

[AK1]

New CPO bid for Edge Lane
Nov 25 2006
By Larry Neild

The agency behind the widening of the key central route into Liverpool, the Edge Lane corridor, is to seek a new compulsory purchase order for the scheme.

It follows a successful high court challenge by local resident Elizabeth Pascoe who argued to judges that her home should not be demolished for the road widening scheme.

English Partnerships last night announced that it is to seek a new CPO for Edge Lane West, the stretch at the centre of the legal wrangle.

The process will take time, delaying by up to 16 months what has been considered a critical road scheme for access to the city from the end of the M62 at the Rocket interchange.

Eliot Lewis-Ward, English Partnership’s area director said last night: “The judge made it clear that English Partnerships' approach to the use of its powers was sound and entirely appropriate for area-wide regeneration schemes such as at Edge Lane West.

Story continues (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=new-cpo-bid-for-edge-lane%26method=full%26objectid=18154969%26siteid=50 061-name_page.html#story_continue)...

I hope for everyones sake it doesn't take that long!

[theninesisters]

Personally, I'm all for what Elizabeth is doing. At her age, and with a house that is fairly large, would you want to be turfed out of your property at 60 and be forced to move elsewhere? I know I wouldn't.

And on the flip side, I know that something has to be done about the traffic too and the regeneration of the area - but at the cost of these massive houses?

I got a taxi a few days ago from town and was chatting to the cabbie who told me that the council had ballsed up again with Edge Lane - and its true. Go from the Rocket up Edge Lane and at the start of all the work, we were led to believe that Edge Lane would be a 3 lane carriageway both sides, so what has been done so far? Well the council have dug up all the perfectly good kerbs...and erm...replaced them with new kerbs! 'oh but come on, it looks far prettier now doesn't it'?

So what is my solition if I was in charge of the council? Two things called the Waterloo and Wapping Tunnels. Make them a one way paid system in which traffic can enter the edge of town with no tailbacks, no bottle necks, just a free moving tunnel system that would ease lots of the congestion from Edge Lane.

Edge Lane is poorly planned simply from the number of traffic lights and pedestrian traffic lights. One of the largest bottlenecks is off the Motorway, under the flyover and then everyone stops because there's a bus stop on one side just next to a set of lights for people to cross...well let's build a bridge and do away with those lights? Na...let's demolish the bridge rather than police it as a few people have chucked things off there.

The council really couldn't organise a **** up in a brewery and if they think that a few new kerbs is going to solve Edge Lane because it looks pretty then I for one am peed off at my tax being spent on sh*te like that.

:013:

I feel better now :)

[AK1]

Personally, I'm all for what Elizabeth is doing. At her age, and with a house that is fairly large, would you want to be turfed out of your property at 60 and be forced to move elsewhere? I know I wouldn't.

And on the flip side, I know that something has to be done about the traffic too and the regeneration of the area - but at the cost of these massive houses?

I got a taxi a few days ago from town and was chatting to the cabbie who told me that the council had ballsed up again with Edge Lane - and its true. Go from the Rocket up Edge Lane and at the start of all the work, we were led to believe that Edge Lane would be a 3 lane carriageway both sides, so what has been done so far? Well the council have dug up all the perfectly good kerbs...and erm...replaced them with new kerbs! 'oh but come on, it looks far prettier now doesn't it'?

So what is my solition if I was in charge of the council? Two things called the Waterloo and Wapping Tunnels. Make them a one way paid system in which traffic can enter the edge of town with no tailbacks, no bottle necks, just a free moving tunnel system that would ease lots of the congestion from Edge Lane.

Edge Lane is poorly planned simply from the number of traffic lights and pedestrian traffic lights. One of the largest bottlenecks is off the Motorway, under the flyover and then everyone stops because there's a bus stop on one side just next to a set of lights for people to cross...well let's build a bridge and do away with those lights? Na...let's demolish the bridge rather than police it as a few people have chucked things off there.

The council really couldn't organise a **** up in a brewery and if they think that a few new kerbs is going to solve Edge Lane because it looks pretty then I for one am peed off at my tax being spent on sh*te like that.

:013:

I feel better now :)

It was never said that it would be a 3 lane carriageway. It has always been planned as a dual carriageway from the rocket to town. If I was in her shoes, I wouldn't want to move, but I would be able to see the bigger picture which is that the area needs to be made safer for cars and pedestrians and the area needs more local amenities. This project will deliver this plus nearly 2000 jobs in an area of high unemployment. She is being selfish and only thinking about what she wants. She has to move on and let the area regenerate or it will remain in this state for many more years. I am sad to see these houses go, but I and many others believe it is the best and only way forward.Also, why shouldn't it look nice. There are too many grimey looking roads and areas in Liverpool and I think it's about time we started taking pride in our city. It will improve peoples' lives and improve our image to visitors. I want to live in a nice looking city, and I think its good that the focus is also on areas outside the City Centre. ( The council are working on plans to modernise the rocket junction, and improve safety and traffic flow. It will be a huge project, therefore it probably won't happen until after the 2008 celebrations. There is a chance that the flyover could be replaced or even removed.)

[Howie]

If homeowners were being offered enough to buy another property elsewhere, maybe you would have a point, but they are not. Why after years of paying a mortgage should Liz allow her home to be taken off her for no reason other than making a road look better to visitors? She can't start out again on the property ladder at her age. Why should she be forced into rented accommodation? If they get away with this she would have been better off spending her life sponging off the State and getting rent paid than working hard and paying a mortgage. Strange values we have! :mad:

The solution is easy - just offer the homeowners enough that they may remain homeowners. And don't say these homeowners are offered the market value for their properties. The market values are artificially lowered as a result of the regeneration activity. They should be offered the market value of an equivalent property outside the demolition area. After all they are not demolishing these houses because they are structurally unsound or to widen the road. They are being demolished so that Kensington and Wavertree can be hidden from the visitors to the European Capital of Culture 2008 behind rows of pretty new apartments. :mad:

[AK1]

If homeowners were being offered enough to buy another property elsewhere, maybe you would have a point, but they are not. Why after years of paying a mortgage should Liz allow her home to be taken off her for no reason other than making a road look better to visitors? She can't start out again on the property ladder at her age. Why should she be forced into rented accommodation? If they get away with this she would have been better off spending her life sponging off the State and getting rent paid than working hard and paying a mortgage. Strange values we have! :mad:

The solution is easy - just offer the homeowners enough that they may remain homeowners. And don't say these homeowners are offered the market value for their properties. The market values are artificially lowered as a result of the regeneration activity. They should be offered the market value of an equivalent property outside the demolition area. After all they are not demolishing these houses because they are structurally unsound or to widen the road. They are being demolished so that Kensington and Wavertree can be hidden from the visitors to the European Capital of Culture 2008 behind rows of pretty new apartments. :mad:

Why should they be offered market value when their houses aren't worth market value. Liz was offered around 70,000 for her property plus the option of a new home somewhere else as where alot of other people. This way she would still be a homeowner. Even if she didn't take the option of a new house, 70,000 is a significant deposit on what would be a very nice house.
These houses aren't wanted by anyone and alot of them are structurally unsound, you only have to go up to some of them and see that they have signs on the front door saying ' Danger, unsafe building, do not enter'.
All this about them just making the road nicer and hiding Kenny from visitors is a load of bulls###t. If they where just making the road nicer, why are they moving the road and widening it, why are they creating better access to things like the lifebank, why are they creating a new park for the public, why are they creating new businesses which will create nearly 2000 jobs and why are they creating new low cost housing for local people? If they where trying to hide Kenny from visitors, why are areas of Kenny which no visitors will ever see being refurbished and regenerated such as Leopold Road and the surrounding roads, Prescot road shops and the new sports centre behind the library plus numerous other roads and wastelands.
If these houses are still here in 2-3 years, they will still be empty, there will still be no local amenities, crime will be even worse, quality of life will be even worse and Edge Lane will be gridlocked, and then we can all look back at what could have been. Local people are the most important thing, but there aren't many local people left here, and there hasn't been for about 20 yrs. Image to visitors is also important. Tourism is Liverpools' biggest source of income and if people are coming here and it is a dump, no-one will come again so we will lose vast amounts of money which will leave no money to be spent on regeneration. The image is also important to Liverpool people. I want to walk around this city and feel proud of it. There are too many areas of Liverpool that I walk around and feel depressed and ashamed that they exist.
This is a vital project, which some people don't want, but most people do want and need. If it doesn't go ahead, I dread to think what this area is going to be like in a couple of years!

[Howie]

See the Liverpool Social Cleansing video here (http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=625434998960888368).

A drive through the proposed Edge Lane development after the mass social cleansing has taken place. The video was made by the Liverpool Land (grab) Development Company and has been re-edited by Scouse Times because it was untruthful.

:badgrin:

[Howie]

I dread to think what this area is going to be like in a couple of years!

A lot worse than it is now given the large number of properties that have been vacated to no avail. A roadworks thru' mass dereliction probably given the shambles that has been made of this project to date at great public expense. :mad:

[AK1]

A lot worse than it is now given the large number of properties that have been vacated to no avail. A roadworks thru' mass dereliction probably given the shambles that has been made of this project to date at great public expense. :mad:

Most of these properties have been vacated well before LLDC got involved. Alot of them have been derelict for over 20 years!!!

[Mike_LFC]

I have just been walking down Edge Lane from the rocket. Does anybody know why they have changed the design from the original plans. They have not narrowed the central reservation to allow for a parking lane for the residents. As for the rest of this section all I can see that they have done so far is to replace trees with trees and lampposts replaced. As for the central reservation opposite the former Skelly's site I can't believe they have just paved this part. Surely trees/bushes should of been used here.:disgust:

So what they have done so far does not bode well for the rest of Edge Lane as the initial plans seem to have been ignored. :mad:

[AK1]

I have just been walking down Edge Lane from the rocket. Does anybody know why they have changed the design from the original plans. They have not narrowed the central reservation to allow for a parking lane for the residents. As for the rest of this section all I can see that they have done so far is to replace trees with trees and lampposts replaced. As for the central reservation opposite the former Skelly's site I can't believe they have just paved this part. Surely trees/bushes should of been used here.:disgust:

So what they have done so far does not bode well for the rest of Edge Lane as the initial plans seem to have been ignored. :mad:

There have been some changes. The central reservation has been left because they couldn't afford to add in another lane for parking. Instead, the kerbs will be lowered and made with high-quality paving so that cars can park on them without them cracking or collapsing. As for the central reservation by the skelly's dealership, this was paved because putting trees and bushes here would obscure the view of the junction for motorists and is too narrow to plant anything that wouldn't overhang onto the road. The improvements to this section of edge lane have always been mainly cosmetic as the surrounding infrastrucure is of good quality and there is very few derelict sites. The major social and infrastucture improvements are occuring further down edge lane after st Oswald Street junction. I hope this has answered your questions!!!!

[Mike_LFC]

Thanks for that information AK1. I never knew the plans had changed. Pity though, as the original plans would of looked far better.

[AK1]

Thanks for that information AK1. I never knew the plans had changed. Pity though, as the original plans would of looked far better.

Would have looked better, but wasn't practical.

[XL391]

I had imagined Lark Lane as being a quiet country lane with lots trees and birds singing......not the sort place where you'd find a Rolls Royce dealship.
cheers

The RR garage has now been demolished. When did this happen?? And was it for more bloody apartments?? :disgust:

[AK1]

The RR garage has now been demolished. When did this happen?? And was it for more bloody apartments?? :disgust:

If you are referring to the garage on the skelly's site then no. You will be pleased to know that this site along with the carpet world site is to be made into a public park with play area, no apartments! If you mean a different garage, let me know!

[XL391]

Yeah, the one in Lark Lane, he sold Rollers.

[Mike_LFC]

Yes the Cameron & Lunt garage has been replaced with appartments. I spent 2 weeks back in 1990 doing my work experience at this garage while at school. I can still picture one of the owners faces as a car rolled off a ramp into a recently finished merc......... happy days :celb (23):

[Kev]

THE main route into Liverpool city centre from the M62 will not be transformed in time for Capital of Culture, city bosses admitted today. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/breakingnews/tm_headline=new-two-year-delay-for-edge-lane%26method=full%26objectid=18555451%26siteid=50 061-name_page.html)...

[theninesisters]

THE main route into Liverpool city centre from the M62 will not be transformed in time for Capital of Culture, city bosses admitted today. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/breakingnews/tm_headline=new-two-year-delay-for-edge-lane%26method=full%26objectid=18555451%26siteid=50 061-name_page.html)...


That's fantastic news! The next CPO is due to drop in to our laps in the next couple of weeks and by then, the website should be up and running.
The council should be shot for ever wanting to demolish houses like this:

[snappel]

Yes the Cameron & Lunt garage has been replaced with appartments. I spent 2 weeks back in 1990 doing my work experience at this garage while at school. I can still picture one of the owners faces as a car rolled off a ramp into a recently finished merc......... happy days :celb (23):I remember once walking past there on the way back from buying supplies at the garage and seeing a yellow rally-spec Escort Cosworth in there. We popped in to have a gander and a chat with the guys. Car was mint!!

[Paul D]

That's fantastic news! The next CPO is due to drop in to our laps in the next couple of weeks and by then, the website should be up and running.
The council should be shot for ever wanting to demolish houses like this:

The council have always whittled away at our heritage,up to ten years ago Liverpool was still demolishing more listed buildings than anywhere else in Britain,we never learn.:disgust:

[AK1]

Great news, NOT! I can understand saving buildings like these but not here. These houses have to go to improve life for everyone around that area. The road must be widened or it will come to a stand-still in a few years. I can imagine it now, visitors driving down edge lane expecting to see a 21st century city that is moving forward but instead they will see a heavily congested unsafe road with derelict properties surrounding it. It's not just about visitors either, most of the people in that area want the houses gone to improve access to local amenities, create more crossings and to create new housing and jobs. Instead they will have to continue living in squalor with poor local amenities and a poor quality of life.
I support saving old victorian buildings, but in this case I think they have to go. Liverpool's heritage must be preserved but not in cases such as these where preserving it would mean ruining the lives of the people that live there. Nobody wants these houses and many are beyond repair, even the ones that could be repaired wouldn't sell because of the road and the rubbish local facilities. I just hope they are at least demolished before 2008.:disgust:

[theninesisters]

Great news, NOT! I can understand saving buildings like these but not here. These houses have to go to improve life for everyone around that area. The road must be widened or it will come to a stand-still in a few years. I can imagine it now, visitors driving down edge lane expecting to see a 21st century city that is moving forward but instead they will see a heavily congested unsafe road with derelict properties surrounding it. It's not just about visitors either, most of the people in that area want the houses gone to improve access to local amenities, create more crossings and to create new housing and jobs. Instead they will have to continue living in squalor with poor local amenities and a poor quality of life.
I support saving old victorian buildings, but in this case I think they have to go. Liverpool's heritage must be preserved but not in cases such as these where preserving it would mean ruining the lives of the people that live there. Nobody wants these houses and many are beyond repair, even the ones that could be repaired wouldn't sell because of the road and the rubbish local facilities. I just hope they are at least demolished before 2008.:disgust:

That's most people's view of the situation. However the website that I am currently working on shows how to save all the houses and still widen the road and improve the traffic flow by making changes to certain right turns and the like.

I have been in to numerous houses on Edge Lane just before they were boarded up and the bods who were putting the metal plates on told me that if they had their way, the'd offer the council some money to keep the houses. Some are in a bad way but the majority need slightly more than a lick of paint and some work doing - nothing structural. They are massive from the side of the buildings and go a long way back.

[wallasey]

I was talking to my geography teacher about this; he said that the road should be realigned around this "cluster" or residential buildings so that they are saved. This is a good idea, but I am imagining that you would have to (comming from the Rocket) curve the roadway to the left and take it down to Wavertree Road nad then dual Wavertree Road. This would then bring the roadway in at a comfortable angle to then build the "Hall Lane By-pass" which isn't going ahead anyway.

The road would be plotted something like this...

http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/8030/fgtta4.jpg

Wavertree Road between the railway bridge and Irvine Street does'nt have a frontage as such (only a row of shops) as most of it has been cleared and had 60's buildings constructed a way back from the road.

This would be very costly and would never see the light of day!

[Howie]

Grandmother continues fight to save her home
Feb 19 2007
by Paula Owens, Liverpool Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2006/4/3/F3171AE8-E590-15BC-5C878A175CEB5B31.jpg

WORKERS planning to start bulldozing houses as part of the Edge Lane road-widening scheme were yesterday served with an injunction preventing them from doing so.

The demolition work was set to commence at numbers 30 to 36 Edge Lane at 8am this morning.

But local resident, 60-year-old grandmother Elizabeth Pascoe, who has already taken similar action against the demolition of homes in another part of the area, sought new legal intervention after hearing about the impending work.

If the demolition goes ahead, the council and other parties involved with the scheme could be found in contempt of court.

Story continues (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=grandmother-continues-fight-to-save-her-home%26method=full%26objectid=18643440%26page=1%26 siteid=50061-name_page.html#story_continue)...

[Howie]

Homes demolition halted
Feb 19 2007
Liverpool Echo

BULLDOZERS have been stopped from moving into Liverpool’s Edge Lane for the second time.

Developers were planning to start preparing six boarded-up Victorian houses for demolition today.

But anti-demolition campaigners contacted London’s high court over the weekend and say they have an injunction stopping any work taking place.

They were planning to serve it on contractors at the Kensington site early today.

Senior officials at Liverpool Land Development Company (LLDC) had still not seen a copy of the injunction this morning.

Story continues (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=homes-demolition-halted%26method=full%26objectid=18643691%26siteid= 50061-name_page.html#story_continue)...

[AK1]

This is just rediculous. That area is going to be left to rot even more for years. Welcome to Liverpool everyone!!!!! I give up.:disgust:

[Howie]

I give up.:disgust:

Liz Pascoe hasn't!!! :rolleyes:

[theninesisters]

Liz Pascoe hasn't!!! :rolleyes:

And she's entitled to considering her house is still under threat. We thought that we would have a few months before the next CPO so the website I am working on is currently being madly shuffled together this week. Anyone got any red bull?

[Howie]

Edge Lane injunction to cost taxpayer £1.5m
Feb 20 2007
by Deborah James, Liverpool Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2006/4/3/F3171AE8-E590-15BC-5C878A175CEB5B31.jpg

A VITAL £70m scheme to regenerate Liverpool’s Edge Lane corridor was facing a further major delay last night, after a grandmother won a surprise High Court injunction.

Developers last night said an anti-demolition order secured in London by resident Elizabeth Pascoe had caused a second major hold-up to the road-widening scheme.

The 60-year-old handed the order to workers yesterday morning as they were about to start stripping six boarded-up Victorian houses in preparation for bulldozers to move in.

It bans any demolition on Edge Lane West until a Compulsory Purchase Order is issued allowing developers to buy up remaining properties in the area, expected in around 15 months.

Story continues (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=edge-lane-injunction-to-cost-taxpayer-%2Dpound%2D1%2D5m%26method=full%26objectid=1864704 8%26siteid=50061-name_page.html#story_continue)...

[Ged]

Is it just delaying the inevitable. Is it more money for her property she is after, given that CPO's are usually derisary amounts. With the money it's costing the taxpayer and the regeneration of the area, would it not just be sensible to give her her wedge instead? It can't be any fun for her living in what has become a run down area due to the others that have moved out though I do agree that some of those houses are huge and could where possible should have been saved. I'm all for people and communities over road schemes.

[theninesisters]

Is it just delaying the inevitable. Is it more money for her property she is after, given that CPO's are usually derisary amounts. With the money it's costing the taxpayer and the regeneration of the area, would it not just be sensible to give her her wedge instead? It can't be any fun for her living in what has become a run down area due to the others that have moved out though I do agree that some of those houses are huge and could where possible should have been saved. I'm all for people and communities over road schemes.

The problem is, is that the city council haven't done their homework. They've never had a surveyor around to inspect the houses in detail, which we have. Only 6 houses are structurally unsafe and 'have' to be demolished, the rest can be saved.
Elizabeth isn't after any more money from the house - she doesn't want to move from her home at the age of 60 where she has lived for a long time - would you?

The Council is totally to blame for letting these properties go thus forcing people out of their homes. 99% of people for the demolition have never been inside the grand houses and they are massive - fixed up, they would fetch over a £1mill, such is the style of the house. People assume that because they're boarded up, they are to be demolished, when the survey that we paid out for shows the real extent.

[Ged]

It would appear that the council are saying 'This is where the road's going, structurally safe houses or not' hasn't that always been the way though - that someone/somewhere is sacrificed for improvement (if that is what it's going to be) The residents of where I was from were shipped out for the widening of Hunter Street despite a community of 400 families who were basically against it, but as they were flats that were not privately owned what chance did they have when they'd already fought road plans for two previous schemes. The once thriving Christian Street is now cut off from Islington and is pretty isolated. One might say a good thing if they've kids.

[AK1]

The houses actually along that section of road must go if the road is to be properly widened and made safer for pedestrians, although I do think the council should give more consideration into preserving some of the houses that are away from the road. It is important to remember that this isn't just a road widening scheme, this is just part of a project which includes new housing, new jobs in the science park, a better environment, more local amenities and new public open space.
I traveled along the almost complete section of edge lane near the rocket recently. The quality of the work is superb and the level of thought behind it is very impressive. For example, instead of just paving the pavements and planting trees along the entire stretch, they have tarmaced sections outside most of the houses for cars to park on, away from the road. This project will improve Liverpool's image to visitors, but more importantly, it will improve the lives of local people in more ways than one.:)

[snappel]

It's a fair point, and you can't keep everyone happy.

Still, I'm not bothered about the £1.5m of taxpayers money - at least it's been consumed by someone being pro-active and doing something (which is for them) worthwhile. Unlike the work-shy layabouts that lived in half the other houses down there.

[marky]

Those houses don't seem too bad, to me.

[AK1]

Those houses don't seem too bad, to me.

Some of them aren't too bad, but they have to go so that the road can be widened. The road is already heavily congested because it bottlenecks from four lanes to two, so in a couple of years it will be gridlocked if it isn't widened. Some have said it can be widened without demolishing the houses but this would mean taking the front gardens off the houses so people would be walking out of their front door straight onto a tiny pavement with a dual carriageway next to it, plus alot of the houses are too far gone to repair.
On the other hand, the demolition will mean that all the buildings on the roadside will have a large pavement in front of them with trees and more pedestrian crossings to make it safer and more pleasant. If you look carefully at the plans, you will see that the apartments are on the roadside with all the family houses behind them, well away from the busy road.:)

[Libertarian]

In general the city is a dug up mess.

The big dig is causing terrible problems in the city centre and has been driving shoppers away for 2 years now. Shops are closing and business is bad. As if this isn't bad enough Church Street and Lord Street have looked like a building site since the summer the resurfacing seems to have taken a very long time for what seems to be a very simple job.Every time you go down there you are lucky if you see anyone working on it. Even worse Whitechapel is now being dug up an the trendy new Met quarter is surrounded by bollards, no wonder trade is down there too. The council have known that the Met quarter has been under construction for 2 years now so why not do some of the work sooner?

Thank God we never got the trams can you imagine the disruption the installation of them would have caused? There is now way it would have been finished by 08, the trams would have caused huge traffic chaos and work would have taken taken years in Liverpool.
Unbelievable.

[AK1]

All the work is neccessary to bring Liverpool up to date with most other cities. The work doesn't bother me, and there was a survey a while ago that showed most people don't mind the distruption as Liverpool will be a much better place once it is completed. I actually like going into town and seeing all the construction work. It makes the city vibrant with activity and prosperity.

[Kev]

SCORES of residents are campaigning to get the controversial regeneration of Edge Lane back on track. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=demolition-call-in-battle-over-edge-lane-homes%26method=full%26objectid=18662902%26siteid=5 0061-name_page.html)

[Howie]

Author inspired by fight to save Edge Lane homes
Feb 27 2007
by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/sep2006/4/3/F3171AE8-E590-15BC-5C878A175CEB5B31.jpg

LIVERPOOL writer Jimmy McGovern will soon become an even more high-profile name than he is already, with three major productions in the pipeline – and they could not be more different from each other.

Two will be set during controversial periods of history. One is a film on the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, with Hollywood star Scarlet Johansson in the lead role as the doomed queen, while the other is a stage play which compares the slaves of America’s Deep South with those who toiled in the mills in the north-west of England.

The third, however, will be right up to date and will be a hard-hitting dramatisation of the issues surrounding the Edge Lane regeneration project.

McGovern said he was drawn to the subject because of the outrage he felt over the way council leaders had handled the project.

The west end of Edge Lane has been earmarked for demolition and redevelopment for some time, but it has witnessed a stand-off between planners and local residents reluctant to leave their homes.

The proposals form part of the Government's New Heartlands strategy and will include a new dual carriageway providing improved road links to the M62 motorway.

McGovern – no stranger to controversy with earlier works including one on the Hillsborough tragedy – launched a scathing attack on the redevelopment project, which he said would destroy some “wonderful houses”.

The 57-year-old writer said his brother, Joseph, 59, who owns a three-bedroomed house in the area, was one of those affected by the proposals.

He added: “Joe has been offered just £65,000 under the Compulsory Purchase Order, in spite of the fact that developers are planning to build apartments on the site, starting at £125,000 for a one-bed flat.

“How can anyone possibly claim that is fair? It is impossible to buy anything with £65,000 these days.”

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/jan2002/2/0/000AD29F-E9C1-1C47-BE0180BFB6FA01D8.jpg

He added: “There is a very strong aesthetic argument in all of this. These are houses with beautiful facades which, if they were in London, would be appreciated for exactly how splendid they are. As Liverpool approaches its Culture Year, the council is knocking down rows of wonderful houses – and for what?

“All professional opinion is that the city centre cannot cope with the current levels of traffic, so how will a two-lane entry road help that? It is not a sustainable answer, we need to reduce congestion with green schemes such as park and ride, not add to it.”

Although this work is still in its early stages, another – called King Cotton – will mark McGovern’s return to the stage after 25 years.

It has been commissioned by the Liverpool Culture Company and The Lowry at Salford Quays, where the production will have its world premiere in September, followed by an opening at the Liverpool Empire later in the month.

The musical play, which features a full brass band, will mark the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade, but McGovern will also use it to explore his theory that Britain’s mill workers were the forgotten slaves of the 18th century.

The new project sets a cotton plantation slave from the Deep South against a mill worker at the time of the Lancashire cotton famine, reflecting McGovern’s view that the plight of northern England’s mill workers has been overlooked.

He said: “Research has been done which shows that people died younger in the mills than in the cotton fields.”

The work is adapted from an idea by local musician Ian Brownbill, who approached the author about doing a play on the cotton famine, which occurred when the American Civil War halted cotton imports and mill workers were left to starve.

The film of Mary Queen of Scots is due for release next year, and will concentrate on her strained personal and political relationship with her cousin, Elizabeth I, during whose reign the Scottish queen was executed.

alanweston@dailypost.co.uk

Source: icLiverpool (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=author-inspired-by-fight-to-save-edge-lane-homes%26method=full%26objectid=18681188%26page=1%2 6siteid=50061-name_page.html)

[theninesisters]

My Edge Lane website is to be launched in the Sunday Times this sunday so if I get the all clear, I'll post the website address up here on Saturday so you can all have a sneak preview.

I'm still going through lots of legal documents else I'd have posted it last week for your perusal.

:protest:

[AK1]

Anyone know what's happening with the Littlewoods building? I know that Urban Splash are going to refurbish it and I have noticed some scaffolding on a small section of it, but there is nothing on their website and there has been no news on how the development is coming along.:)

[theninesisters]

Anyone know what's happening with the Littlewoods building? I know that Urban Splash are going to refurbish it and I have noticed some scaffolding on a small section of it, but there is nothing on their website and there has been no news on how the development is coming along.:)

I'll hijack this thread with my already announced www.edgelane.moonfruit.com website :)

Littlewoods is to be turned in to apartments! Sod knows how they'll do that but bagsie the tower as my bedroom!

[AK1]

I'll hijack this thread with my already announced www.edgelane.moonfruit.com website :)

Littlewoods is to be turned in to apartments! Sod knows how they'll do that but bagsie the tower as my bedroom!

They are going to add in new floors. It currently only has a ground floor!

[AK1]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/6434255.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/6434255.stm)

Please Read.

[AK1]

Yet another delaying of the inevitable. This has gone from it being someone fighting for what they believe in, to someone blatantly not caring about their community and being extremely selfish. Surely she must realise that the vast majority of people want the houses demolished and that keeping the houses would be extremely dangerous and unpleasant for both pedestrians and cars.
She is simply misguided and must realise that the houses are going to be demolished eventually. I suspect she is just holding out for more money. If they offered her an extra 10 grand she would be out of there like a shot, but they won't do that as it will look like they are bribing her.
I just hope that LLDC get those CPO's quickly and continue to buy the remaining properties.

http://liverpooldev.co.uk/?ctid=78 Please Read!

[theninesisters]

Yet another delaying of the inevitable. This has gone from it being someone fighting for what they believe in, to someone blatantly not caring about their community and being extremely selfish. Surely she must realise that the vast majority of people want the houses demolished and that keeping the houses would be extremely dangerous and unpleasant for both pedestrians and cars.
She is simply misguided and must realise that the houses are going to be demolished eventually. I suspect she is just holding out for more money. If they offered her an extra 10 grand she would be out of there like a shot, but they won't do that as it will look like they are bribing her.
I just hope that LLDC get those CPO's quickly and continue to buy the remaining properties.

http://liverpooldev.co.uk/?ctid=78 Please Read!

I have to disagree there totally. Having worked with Elizabeth, she is not doing this for the money. She has said that she wouldn't entertain any amount of money, she is now fighting for all the people that have already had to leave their community. Elizabeth works silly hours, despite being disabled and I am in regular contact with her over this.

The council are riding rough shot over all of this and they cannot afford to back down.

You may not have read all of my website but I would draw your attention to :

http://www.edgelane.moonfruit.com/surveys

Click on 'Edge Lane Survey Report' which will show you an independant review by Chartered Building Surveyors - this isn't hearsay - this is the true Survey of each major property which is stated that needs very little more than maintainence.

I agree with both sides of the coin, but for those that want to have their houses demolished, they have just as much say as Elizabeth has at the end of the day.

[AK1]

I understand that some of the houses are ok, but it just isn't safe to keep them. I have looked at your website which clearly shows that the road is just feet from the front door of alot of the houses. It also shows that there would be very little greenery and that the pavement is tiny. There is also nowhere to park any cars therefore all the cars would have to be parked either on the road or on the pavement. The LLDC plan would solve all these issues and create better local amenities for residents.
You can't ignore the fact that most people want the houses gone, and that the LLDC plan won't just widen the road like yours, it will create a better environment and better facilities for local people.
I do actually like those houses and do wish that they could stay, but that just isn't an option in this case. To secure the long term future for this part of Liverpool, the houses must be demolished.
Lastly, with reference to the comment that people where made to move out of their homes, that is completely wrong. The population was already falling rapidly long before LLDC got involved and the fact is most of the residents where waiting for someone like LLDC to come along so they could get out.
Liz is holding back a vital regeneration project for Liverpool that has been in the making for the past 10 years. She must concede defeat and stop being so selfish. She is doing what is in her best interests, not what is in the vast majorities.

[AK1]

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=oak-tree-will-light-up-key-city-road%26method=full%26objectid=18726702%26siteid=50 061-name_page.html

[theninesisters]

I understand that some of the houses are ok, but it just isn't safe to keep them. I have looked at your website which clearly shows that the road is just feet from the front door of alot of the houses. It also shows that there would be very little greenery and that the pavement is tiny. There is also nowhere to park any cars therefore all the cars would have to be parked either on the road or on the pavement. The LLDC plan would solve all these issues and create better local amenities for residents.
You can't ignore the fact that most people want the houses gone, and that the LLDC plan won't just widen the road like yours, it will create a better environment and better facilities for local people.
I do actually like those houses and do wish that they could stay, but that just isn't an option in this case. To secure the long term future for this part of Liverpool, the houses must be demolished.
Lastly, with reference to the comment that people where made to move out of their homes, that is completely wrong. The population was already falling rapidly long before LLDC got involved and the fact is most of the residents where waiting for someone like LLDC to come along so they could get out.
Liz is holding back a vital regeneration project for Liverpool that has been in the making for the past 10 years. She must concede defeat and stop being so selfish. She is doing what is in her best interests, not what is in the vast majorities.

If trying to keep a roof over your head when you have reached the age of 60 without being bullied by the council to leave is being selfish?

Why shouldn't she be doing this? I would be doing exactly the same if I was in her position and I'm sure if it was a member of your family - someone older than the rest of us, you'd give her as much backing as possible.

Is it a crime these days to fight for what you believe in? That is what she is doing and I'm pretty sure we'd do the same if we had to.

I take it you have spoken to some of the ex residents of Edge Lane? Elizabeth let me have a nose through a massive database of residents that had left her a contact address - I have been in touch with over 40 people who said that they wish they had guts like Elizabeth and only wish they had stayed and supported her.

If you are talking to more people than I am on the subject then I really must be speaking to the wrong people.

[AK1]

Firstly, if I was in her position, even though I would be upset at leaving my house, I would still leave. I would look at the bigger picture and realise that most people want this development and I wouldn't get in the way of a project that is going to improve hundreds of lives.
People do have a right to fight for what they believe in, but if you and a few others are the only ones and there are hundreds more that believe the opposite, it is only right to concede that you are wrong.
Finally, lets not forget that a 200 signature petition was handed in to LLDC last week from local residents who want the properties demolished. All these signatures where collected in just one day!
The needs of the many!!!:)

[theninesisters]

Firstly, if I was in her position, even though I would be upset at leaving my house, I would still leave. I would look at the bigger picture and realise that most people want this development and I wouldn't get in the way of a project that is going to improve hundreds of lives.
People do have a right to fight for what they believe in, but if you and a few others are the only ones and there are hundreds more that believe the opposite, it is only right to concede that you are wrong.
Finally, lets not forget that a 200 signature petition was handed in to LLDC last week from local residents who want the properties demolished. All these signatures where collected in just one day!
The needs of the many!!!:)

I admire the people who want to leave and admire your stance on this too. Someone really should get together from their side of the coin and try and do the opposite to what Elizabeth is doing. Democracy and all that.

[christy]

I understand that some of the houses are ok, but it just isn't safe to keep them. I have looked at your website which clearly shows that the road is just feet from the front door of alot of the houses. It also shows that there would be very little greenery and that the pavement is tiny. There is also nowhere to park any cars therefore all the cars would have to be parked either on the road or on the pavement. The LLDC plan would solve all these issues and create better local amenities for residents.
You can't ignore the fact that most people want the houses gone, and that the LLDC plan won't just widen the road like yours, it will create a better environment and better facilities for local people.
I do actually like those houses and do wish that they could stay, but that just isn't an option in this case. To secure the long term future for this part of Liverpool, the houses must be demolished.
Lastly, with reference to the comment that people where made to move out of their homes, that is completely wrong. The population was already falling rapidly long before LLDC got involved and the fact is most of the residents where waiting for someone like LLDC to come along so they could get out.
Liz is holding back a vital regeneration project for Liverpool that has been in the making for the past 10 years. She must concede defeat and stop being so selfish. She is doing what is in her best interests, not what is in the vast majorities.

It is not true to say keeping these houses would be dangerous. Both proposals will actually slow the traffic down in mph terms but speed the journey through better management. Also having the front doors 'just feet' away from the road as you say, will make little difference to anything or anybody. Do you believe that all of the Victorian and Edwardian shops/shopping districts around the country should immediately be demolished due to the shop doorways being too close to the road? Surely busy shopping streets like County road, Allerton road and Old Swan would be more dangerous with people moving in and out of shops into others walking on the pavement?
As for parking, a bit of imagination would show that as the buildings are empty or being emptied and would be converted into flats/apartments then the parking could be placed at the rear with further entrances there.
Greenery again is not so important on a road like this because it is what it is, an urban innercity road. Yes greenary is pleasant but the planting that approaches this section is sufficient. Again if people where desperate for planting, a bit of imagination by the architects would solve this. Planting does not just have to be trees lining a road.
I understand your point based on the facts that you and the developers are putting forward, however, these 'facts' are mistruths and therefore invalid.
What makes me most angry, is that what the developers plan to replace these substantial houses with pastiche new brick rubbish that would look more at home on the outskirts of Birchwood,Warrington and will impress nobody approaching our city. It will simply make the approach look provincial and cheap. If we have to put up with eventually losing this piece of our heritage, at least replace it with something better!!!

[theninesisters]

It is not true to say keeping these houses would be dangerous. Both proposals will actually slow the traffic down in mph terms but speed the journey through better management. Also having the front doors 'just feet' away from the road as you say, will make little difference to anything or anybody. Do you believe that all of the Victorian and Edwardian shops/shopping districts around the country should immediately be demolished due to the shop doorways being too close to the road? Surely busy shopping streets like County road, Allerton road and Old Swan would be more dangerous with people moving in and out of shops into others walking on the pavement?
As for parking, a bit of imagination would show that as the buildings are empty or being emptied and would be converted into flats/apartments then the parking could be placed at the rear with further entrances there.
Greenery again is not so important on a road like this because it is what it is, an urban innercity road. Yes greenary is pleasant but the planting that approaches this section is sufficient. Again if people where desperate for planting, a bit of imagination by the architects would solve this. Planting does not just have to be trees lining a road.
I understand your point based on the facts that you and the developers are putting forward, however, these 'facts' are mistruths and therefore invalid.
What makes me most angry, is that what the developers plan to replace these substantial houses with pastiche new brick rubbish that would look more at home on the outskirts of Birchwood,Warrington and will impress nobody approaching our city. It will simply make the approach look provincial and cheap. If we have to put up with eventually losing this piece of our heritage, at least replace it with something better!!!

:handclap: :handclap: :PDT11

It was also interesting to note that the Judge quashed the latest CPO as he also agreed that these houses were perfectly safe.

[AK1]

There is a difference between houses being feet from the road and shops being feet from the road. People wouldn't want to live there especially families, plus the fact that the houses have pokey back yards, not exactly family friendly. They would end up being diced up into flats and falling into a bad state of repair again.
Some of the houses only need a lick of paint, but some of them need extensive repair costing thousands and some of them are unfit for habitation and need to be demolished. As I have said many times before, the vast majority of people are behind the LLDC plan and this is the plan that will be better in the long term.
As for the judge saying they shouldn't be demolished, if he actually visited the area and saw just how grotty, neglected, dark and unsafe it is, I'm sure he would change his mind.
I do genuinely hate to see any of our 'heritage' lost, but I feel in this case that demolition will be better for the people wheras renovation will only be better for our history. People are more important.:)

[Jericho]

Apart from rush hour I have never experienced Edge Lane as being all that busy. This area has been an eyesore for years. LCC deliberately allowed the area to run down rather than transforming it in an adaptive way that allowed the local community to work with the LCC and enabled the city as a whole to keep the best architecture in this area and avoid traffic congestion. The proposed plans for the redevelopment of this area and the awful housing envisaged are unimaginative in the extreme - more suitable for the East Lancs Road than a key road into the heart of the city cente.

It's no coincidence that it's the poor areas of the city that are continually being torn apart by LCC's lack of thinking ahead and refusal to stem the process by which an entire area becomes blighted (Norris Green, Granby parts of Kensington, Kirkdale etc). It started in the 60s and it's still going on. How the hell do they get away with it?

[AK1]

There are certain times when edge lane isn't busy but it is very busy during rush hour. The widening and realigning of the road by LLDC is a preventative measure. In the next couple of years that section of edge lane will become gridlocked unless the road is improved. The LLDC plan is about the long term future for edge lane to ensure it will become a safer and more pleasant experience for drivers and the public.
I do agree that the council did leave areas like Kenny, Norris Green and Anfield in an awful state for way too long, but this was largely due to lack of co-operation from the public and lack of funding. The council now has both of these in most cases and is now carrying out major improvements in all the areas mentioned. There is new high quality housing being built in Norris Green and alot of the houses have been refurbished. Kenny is undergoing massive changes with victorian shop frontages being restored and new facilities such as a new fire station and community centre being built. Anfield is about to undergo massive changes with new houses and community facilities being built alongside the new stadium. The council had to wait for the stadium to get funding before they could do anything in Anfield.
One thing that annoys is when people suggest that the council love demolishing our victorian architecture. If this was the case then why are hundreds of victorian houses in Anfield and Kenny being refurbished. Wouldn't the council have just demolished them and started again. Leopold road in kenny is a prime example of how the council does retain victorian buildings when it is safe and viable to do so.:)

[AK1]

Please Read!

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=new-year-target-to-start-work-on-transforming-littlewoods-landmark%26method=full%26objectid=18824322%26sitei d=50061-name_page.html

[theninesisters]

Please Read!

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=new-year-target-to-start-work-on-transforming-littlewoods-landmark%26method=full%26objectid=18824322%26sitei d=50061-name_page.html

As long as they keep the air raid shelters next door then I'd be well chuffed to see this building put to some good use! :handclap:

[AK1]

Not sure about them, i'll try to find out.

[theninesisters]

Not sure about them, i'll try to find out.

Not many people know about them, not even Sub Brit have been in them. They'll have a job demolishing all those concrete slabs though - and as they go down towards Wavertree Road, they're not small!

[scouserdave]

"Geraud UK, owner of Liverpool wholesale fruit and vegetable market, has this week begun a nine-week evaluation of the market’s potential with a view to creating a “future-proof” market for the north-west.

Liverpool City Council has identified the Edge Lane location of the market as a strategically important site, obliging Geraud, which took on ownership of the site in 2003, to undertake research to define the future direction of the market and its tenants."

[More] (http://www.freshinfo.com/index.php?s=n&ss=nd&sid=41223)

[Howie]

Judge blocks £70m Edge Lane gateway

A VITAL £70m scheme to reshape the vital Edge Lane corridor into Liverpool was legally frozen last night, following the latest court victory by campaigning grandmother Elizabeth Pascoe.

More (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_headline=judge-blocks-%2Dpound%2D70m-edge-lane-gateway%26method=full%26objectid=19257632%26siteid =50061-name_page.html)...

[Kev]

DERELICT houses will line Liverpool’s Edge Lane for the foreseeable future :PDT_Xtremez_12:

[Harry]

Liverpool will never, ever reach its full potential because of this type of bloody-minded attachment to all things old and rotten by its insular population.
Too many people simply think they are doing everyone else a favour by burdening them with their own cockeyed sense of marvellous history, be it stale 1960's music, ugly old warehouses, decrepit transport or, in this case, obsolete housing made of rotten red bricks.
Liverpool people ramble on about "the Community" when in reality all this is is people who just happen to live in the same place. Real community disappeared years ago and is alive only in tiny pockets nowadays.
When did Liverpool people become so parochial, so out-of-touch with development in the rest of the world? This city used to be outward looking and progressive, its people much travelled and worldwise but its stagnated disgracefully to the point where we seem to be stuck in a bubble, a stinking, blinkered timewarp, especially on local radio and newspapers, where everything is wonderfull and the rest of the world thinks we're great.
We've actually started to resemble the bigoted scouse stereotypes that have been doing the rounds for decades.

[Ged]

Are you upset Harry. :)

[Jericho]

Liverpool will never, ever reach its full potential because of this type of bloody-minded attachment to all things old and rotten by its insular population.
Too many people simply think they are doing everyone else a favour by burdening them with their own cockeyed sense of marvellous history, be it stale 1960's music, ugly old warehouses, decrepit transport or, in this case, obsolete housing made of rotten red bricks.
Liverpool people ramble on about "the Community" when in reality all this is is people who just happen to live in the same place. Real community disappeared years ago and is alive only in tiny pockets nowadays.
When did Liverpool people become so parochial, so out-of-touch with development in the rest of the world? This city used to be outward looking and progressive, its people much travelled and worldwise but its stagnated disgracefully to the point where we seem to be stuck in a bubble, a stinking, blinkered timewarp, especially on local radio and newspapers, where everything is wonderfull and the rest of the world thinks we're great.
We've actually started to resemble the bigoted scouse stereotypes that have been doing the rounds for decades.

:rolleyes:
Can't say that is my experience but if it's yours so be it.

What's happening around Edge Lane is just the latest in attempts by LCC to ship out a local working class population (for some reason it's never a middle class one) and redevelop an area. The first step in this process is to deliberatley run the area down so that people want to move out. With one or two exceptions in the last 50 years or so this has been an unmitigated disaster and has left parts of Everton looking more like a Welsh hillside than a vibrant inner city community.

I'm interested to see how the battle for Edge Hill works out. :PDT_Xtremez_12:

[Cadfael]

Liverpool will never, ever reach its full potential because of this type of bloody-minded attachment to all things old and rotten by its insular population.
Too many people simply think they are doing everyone else a favour by burdening them with their own cockeyed sense of marvellous history, be it stale 1960's music, ugly old warehouses, decrepit transport or, in this case, obsolete housing made of rotten red bricks.
Liverpool people ramble on about "the Community" when in reality all this is is people who just happen to live in the same place. Real community disappeared years ago and is alive only in tiny pockets nowadays.
When did Liverpool people become so parochial, so out-of-touch with development in the rest of the world? This city used to be outward looking and progressive, its people much travelled and worldwise but its stagnated disgracefully to the point where we seem to be stuck in a bubble, a stinking, blinkered timewarp, especially on local radio and newspapers, where everything is wonderfull and the rest of the world thinks we're great.
We've actually started to resemble the bigoted scouse stereotypes that have been doing the rounds for decades.

And on that note, it was sad to hear that the last part of the Stable Yard built in 1860 will be demolished this week - this is on Smithdown Lane opposite the Traffic HQ next to the Tunnels Heritage Centre. :disgust:

[twiz]

Liverpool will never, ever reach its full potential because of this type of bloody-minded attachment to all things old and rotten by its insular population.
Too many people simply think they are doing everyone else a favour by burdening them with their own cockeyed sense of marvellous history, be it stale 1960's music, ugly old warehouses, decrepit transport or, in this case, obsolete housing made of rotten red bricks.
Liverpool people ramble on about "the Community" when in reality all this is is people who just happen to live in the same place. Real community disappeared years ago and is alive only in tiny pockets nowadays.
When did Liverpool people become so parochial, so out-of-touch with development in the rest of the world? This city used to be outward looking and progressive, its people much travelled and worldwise but its stagnated disgracefully to the point where we seem to be stuck in a bubble, a stinking, blinkered timewarp, especially on local radio and newspapers, where everything is wonderfull and the rest of the world thinks we're great.

Quoted for truth. Mostly anyway.

[Kev]

The fight may be over for residents campaigning to keep their homes in the face of a multi-million pound regeneration project in Liverpool.

A new compulsory purchase order (CPO) has been issued by English Partnerships to get the site of the £350m Edge Lane project cleared.

The aim is to transform the corridor from the M62 into the city centre.

Many of the properties have already been bought by the city Council, but nearly 70 residents are yet to agree.

One resident, Elizabeth Pascoe, had previously been awarded a High Court injunction to prevent work from continuing.

However, this new CPO means the slate is now wiped clean, although the new application is once again subject to objections and a possible public inquiry.

The project includes about 280 new homes, including sheltered housing and apartments, as well as new shops and a health centre.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif The regeneration of the Edge Lane corridor is of critical importance for Liverpool and the region." http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gifEliot Lewis-Ward,English Partnerships.


Ian Hassall, Chief Executive of Liverpool Land Development Company, which is leading the Edge Lane Project, said most residents are behind the scheme.

"We know the overwhelming majority of the local community supports the plans for new homes, new business space, a much safer road and a much better environment.

"They are desperate to see progress and an end to the dereliction in this area. Indeed, residents have presented a petition to call for progress to be made.

"We owe it to the local community and the city of Liverpool to help bring about the transformation of this area." Eliot Lewis-Ward, English Partnerships Area Director for Merseyside and Cheshire, said: "The comprehensive regeneration of the Edge Lane corridor is of critical importance for Liverpool and the region." BBC Liverpool

[kat2]

Nice to hear sense prevailing at last. Not sure why it took so long to do it though, considering the approach of 2008. We can now see a prime example as to why investment was made in the city center and not in the suberbs which continually hold up development.
Kat:handclap:

[Howie]

We’ll fight on, say Edge Lane residents
Jul 10 2007
by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

RESIDENTS living around Edge Lane in Liverpool today received letters ordering them to sell their homes.

Government officials issued another set of compulsory purchase orders as they tried to arrange the demolition of almost 400 homes.

They need to knock down the houses in order to press ahead with plans to widen the link road and build a new community.

But campaigners promised to fight the new order after pulling off a shock court victory last time they were handed CPOs.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/07/10/we--8217-ll-fight-on--say-edge-lane-residents-100252-19433588/)...


Campaigners have 28 days to object. If they do a second public inquiry will be held, probably later this year or in early 2008.

[Howie]

New fight against Edge Lane CPOs
Jul 11 2007
by Larry Neild, Liverpool Daily Post

A CAMPAIGNER fighting to save dozens of Liveprool homes from the bulldozer last night vowed to continue her battle despite being ordered to sell her home.

For almost three years Elizabeth Pascoe has battled through the courts against proposals to demolish homes in the Edge Lane area – including her own in Adderley Street – to make way for a new gateway into the city.

Along with dozens of other opponents, she was yesterday served with a new compulsory purchase order (CPO), issued to force homeowners to sell up.

The first attempt to issue a CPO led to a court challenge by Ms Pascoe which meant the entire £350m scheme to turn Edge Lane into an “urban boulevard”, had to be shelved.

Now she plans to launch a fresh challenge to the new CPO, which was issued by government agency English Partnerships.

“We will object to the CPO and there will have to be a second public inquiry, which means the original aim of having a new road by 2008 will not happen.

“Like EP we want to see progress and regeneration in our area, but unlike them we do not see the need to pull down our homes.

“We have learned a lot in the past three years and have gained much expertise as well as knowledgeable consultants as advisers.

“I fail to comprehend why the people behind this project refuse to even properly consider the alternatives we have put forward that will meet the aims of a new gateway while saving many of the homes.”

She predicted up to 50 residents and a number of businesses will lodge formal objections to the CPO by the August 6 deadline.

An inquiry is unlikely to be called until early in 2008, with no decision until at least the latter half of the year.

Ms Pascoe and her campaigners hope that the change at Number 10, and a new government team under Prime Minister Gordon Brown could also mean a shift in attitude to the removal of communities.

The new CPO affects around 400 homes, which EP says they need to knock down in order to press ahead with plans to widen Edge Lane and build a new community.

English Partnerships has said the CPOs are vital if the scheme is to go ahead.

Ian Hassall, chief executive of Liverpool Land Development Company, which is leading the Edge Lane Project, said most residents were behind the scheme.

Source: Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/07/11/new-fight-against-edge-lane-cpos-64375-19436781/)

[Kev]

Why can't they just let this scheme get underway, even after al this time? Hasn't it took its toll on the resisting residents? We've got this being stopped, plus now the Garden Festival site seems to be suffering from the same.

Where is it all going to end?

[Jericho]

What reports about Edge Lane CPOs fail to mention is how LCC deliberately ran this area down, allowing the housing stock to become more and more dilapidated so that living in the area became increasingly unpleasant and some people couldn't wait to get out.

I drive along Edge Lane about twice a month and it doesn't feel like a major congestion area to me. Compared to London, driving anywhere in Liverpool is a breeze. I'm not convinced that we need a dual carriageway right into the city centre (which is in effect what it will become). People should be encouraged to use the train more with the equivalent to South Parkway being built in the Broadgreen area. Driving into town is not ecologically sustainable and should not be encouraged.

[Kev]

I think that part of the resistance and legal challenges are carried forward because they can.

Fiar enough though, but where do they expect this to end?

[AK1]

It's important to remember that this scheme is about preventing edge lane from becoming too congested in the future. Currently at peak times it is horendous trying to drive down there and if nothing is done it will become more and more congested until it is gridlocked. Where not talking 5 or 10 years away, we're talking a matter of months away.
I have continually supported this scheme and still do as it will make the road safer for both pedestrians and drivers and it will vastly improve the lives of local people with new jobs and facilities. It will also improve the image of the area which at the moment is basically derelict.

To say that LCC let the area run down is wrong. The area has been in decline for the best part of 30 yrs and alot of the empty houses where originally put up for sale, but they wouldn't sell. Instead the council proceeded to buy the houses so that the EL Project could begin.
Most of the people who where living there where waiting for something like this to come along so they could get out and start a new life somewhere else.

The vast majority of people are behind the scheme and the suggestion that this demolition is the removal of a community is a load of c##p. There hasn't been a community there for decades and most of the people who are still refusing to move are only doing so to try and get more money for their property.
I hope for the sake of local people and the sake of the city that this part of the project finally gets the go ahead.

[Jericho]

It's important to remember that this scheme is about preventing edge lane from becoming too congested in the future. Currently at peak times it is horendous trying to drive down there and if nothing is done it will become more and more congested until it is gridlocked. Where not talking 5 or 10 years away, we're talking a matter of months away.
I have continually supported this scheme and still do as it will make the road safer for both pedestrians and drivers and it will vastly improve the lives of local people with new jobs and facilities. It will also improve the image of the area which at the moment is basically derelict.

To say that LCC let the area run down is wrong. The area has been in decline for the best part of 30 yrs and alot of the empty houses where originally put up for sale, but they wouldn't sell. Instead the council proceeded to buy the houses so that the EL Project could begin.
Most of the people who where living there where waiting for something like this to come along so they could get out and start a new life somewhere else.

The vast majority of people are behind the scheme and the suggestion that this demolition is the removal of a community is a load of c##p. There hasn't been a community there for decades and most of the people who are still refusing to move are only doing so to try and get more money for their property.
I hope for the sake of local people and the sake of the city that this part of the project finally gets the go ahead.

Liverpool's rush hour lasts for about half an hour! Hardly a major inconvenience in the scale of things.

This scheme has potentially been on the cards since the go ahead was given for the building of the M62 more than 30 years ago! Also, the people who live there say that there is a community. Why are you right and they are wrong?

It's part of established practice for LCC to do this in local communities (ask people from the Scotland Road area or parts of L8) and I have observed this area being run down. Just as I have observed parts of Anfield, Edge Hill and L8 being run down.

Also. what is your evidence that people are ONLY refusing to move so that they can get more money for their property.

[AK1]

Liverpool's rush hour lasts for about half an hour! Hardly a major inconvenience in the scale of things.

This scheme has potentially been on the cards since the go ahead was given for the building of the M62 more than 30 years ago! Also, the people who live there say that there is a community. Why are you right and they are wrong?

It's part of established practice for LCC to do this in local communities (ask people from the Scotland Road area or parts of L8) and I have observed this area being run down. Just as I have observed parts of Anfield, Edge Hill and L8 being run down.

Also. what is your evidence that people are ONLY refusing to move so that they can get more money for their property.

Firstly Liverpool's rush hour doesn't last too long now but in the near future as I said above, it will last alot longer. Maybe there is a community there, but I have noticed that 'communities' only ever appear when something that will effect everyone is planned and everyone suddenly says that the 'community' is being torn apart.
My evidence for saying that some of the people are only waiting for more money is that every time these people are on the news, all they talk about is how they think they should be offered more for their property, they never say anything about the community.

[Howie]

I've known Liz Pascoe for a number of years. She was a mature student in the department that I work when she did her degree in Environmental Science. This is not about money to her, it is purely a matter of principle. That is what they never understood. It is true, however, that the initial offers to home owners were derisory.

[kat2]

Why should the council foot the bill to do up houses just because a few wish to stay there I take it they are privatly owned? There is that much legislation now governing housing stock condition and fit for purpose. All housing stock has shelf life once beyond a certain point it becomes unviable to either refurbish or modernise. Take for example today most home owners wish to purchase a house or home with somewhere to park. To do up these propertys would probably cost more than it would to demolish and rebuild, (if you take into condition the building stocks life). re plumb re wire, new sewarage, new damp course, re insulate to the decent homes standard! *lol* of which many would fail due to lack of caverty! Fire regulations if made into flats, and car parking spaces needed for that. so, is it really viable to do up these homes and if you still feel the answer is yes then shouldnt the home owners dig into their own pockets? If I was the council I would demolish the stock they have purchased and just leave the one or two homes and force them to bring theirs up to current day standards.
kat

[Howie]

The majority of the properties affected were owned by private landlords or housing associations. There has been studies conducted that suggest the properties could have been brought up to modern day standards for less than the cost of the demolition let alone the rebuild. Also there have been alternative proposals that would have met the aims of the regeneration without demolishing so many properties. I don't think that if Edge Lane had been in London demolition would have even been considered. Nevertheless I do agree that now that so many people have been 'pursuaded' to leave and so many properties are boarded up that a way forward must be found. However, with attitudes having hardened on both sides I don't see much hope of compromise so I guess we'll just have to wait for it all to go through due process.

[AK1]

I have viewed the alternative plans drawn up by opposers to th EL project and they are frankly not an option. Their plans would see no parking spaces created and the dual carriageway would literally be on the doorstep of the houses. There is also no provision for new businesses or facilities for the community.
Some of these people seem hell bent on saving the houses no matter what the cost. In this case it simply isn't viable. I hate to see these kinds of houses go just as much as anyone, but in this case it is the safest, cleanest and basically best option for everyone.

[Howie]

The next public enquiry may agree with you or it may not - we'll have to wait and see.

[AK1]

The next public enquiry may agree with you or it may not - we'll have to wait and see.

Indeed!:unibrow:

[kat2]

Howie said>
The majority of the properties affected were owned by private landlords or housing associations. There has been studies conducted that suggest the properties could have been brought up to modern day standards for less than the cost of the demolition let alone the rebuild>.

Howie, i am not sure where you get your information but thats certainly not correct. I have sat on many boards (housing association and council). And every time its not cost efficient to do them up. We have learnt the hard way over the years investing in old housing stock. There are that many regulations which year on year seem to change some eec directive some towards carbon emissions. What will you hear on the television in the next six months, well, community centers, brownfield site regeneration, ( tax consessions on brownfield sites) Parking an over all factor of modern day life and not victorian housing stock which has no secure parking. People dont want back alleys, they have told us so, they the community call them "rat runs", To do up old housing stock, you have to look at the whole community. have you heard of the decent homes standard? go read it and not to mention the building regulations which would have to be aheard to to bring old stock back into limited use. victorian houses were good in there day, Modern Housing stock if built to specification has great thermal value, smaller in size footprint more houses per sq footage than the old victorian stock. People want houses that are economical to run, have secure parking and a bit of a garden.
kat

[AK1]

Howie said>
The majority of the properties affected were owned by private landlords or housing associations. There has been studies conducted that suggest the properties could have been brought up to modern day standards for less than the cost of the demolition let alone the rebuild>.

Howie, i am not sure where you get your information but thats certainly not correct. I have sat on many boards (housing association and council). And every time its not cost efficient to do them up. We have learnt the hard way over the years investing in old housing stock. There are that many regulations which year on year seem to change some eec directive some towards carbon emissions. What will you hear on the television in the next six months, well, community centers, brownfield site regeneration, ( tax consessions on brownfield sites) Parking an over all factor of modern day life and not victorian housing stock which has no secure parking. People dont want back alleys, they have told us so, they the community call them "rat runs", To do up old housing stock, you have to look at the whole community. have you heard of the decent homes standard? go read it and not to mention the building regulations which would have to be aheard to to bring old stock back into limited use. victorian houses were good in there day, Modern Housing stock if built to specification has great thermal value, smaller in size footprint more houses per sq footage than the old victorian stock. People want houses that are economical to run, have secure parking and a bit of a garden.
kat

Couldn't agree more!

[Howie]

I couldn't agree more. If you can come up with schemes that allow existing homeowners in a community to remain homeowners in that community then fine, (it has been done in Toxteth). Why should somebody who has spent 25 years working and struggling to pay a mortgage be forced back to renting in their old age? They may as well have spent their life on the dole sponging off the state and getting a rent paid.

[kat2]

Yes, but look at what they are renting in, and a cash insentive to boot! modern day new housing stock with a bit of a garden some cash in their pockets to spend on the grand children or that caravan they always promised to buy but coudnt afford it .I beleive they may well offer shared ownership right to buy schemes.
I know which option I would have a nice brand new house cash in my pocket, new clean environment in which to live, I mean do we ever own a house really own it? what happens when we die and theres nobody to leave the house too? if I was of a certain age I would look forwards too a maintanance or vertually maintainance free home, no worrys about paying to get the roof or boiler fixed come on, be honest if you were offered the cash and either the right to buy under shared ownership (right to buy) and was given cash in your pocket to perhaps buy that new car you never had the money for.
woudnt you be tempted?

Kat

[Howie]

I'm a low waged public sector employee in my fifties with no savings. I've no desire to take on any further debt at my age or start paying out rent from my limited income. So no I'll stay living where I can afford to in the Victorian terrace that I paid for. Maybe I'll be dead before the CPO drops on my mat (if the experience of Edge Lane is anything to go by) and if the boiler packs up I'll replace it if I can and if not I'll manage without. If they do get round to demolishing my house and the Liverpool Canal Link has been completed perhaps a second-hand narrowboat would be an affordable option as a new home. :rolleyes:

[kat2]

I can now fully understand why the council decided to invest in the city center first if its going to come up against this sort of approach to improvements to environmental surroundings.
Kat

[Howie]

If there was a genuine concern for the environment they would be investing in public transport not road widening schemes.

PS How about a tram scheme? :rolleyes:

[kat2]

its not just about widening a road its about bringing infra structure to the whole area, to encourage investment to improve social conditions. Look at the bigger picture developement and industry coming to the area. Like I said in my last post, I now fully appriciate the mindset of why the council decided to adopt the stratergy it has. Why bother with new trams, trains ect we have seen time and again that some public transport services will not go into certain areas at night, same with the fire service "no go areas". I suppose though if the people really do wish to live in these conditions and not be a burdon on the health service (poor housing conditions) then thats fine. I certainly remember years ago alot of people moaning about the poor condition of housing stock in which they lived, and of "getto areas", now all of a sudden there desired places! rofl! really! remember things like its "damp it gets on my chest you know!" I am supprised however that the council hasnt gone via the environmental acts and forced owners to bring their propertys up to standard.
kat

[Howie]

Kat

If you've got a bit of time to spare read some of the articles from the following Google Search:

http://www.google.co.uk/search?as_sitesearch=indymedia.org.uk&as_q=%22Edge+Lane%22

Howie

[kat2]

Hi, Howie,
Thanku for the link they do however all point to the same website. I as I have said before, if people dont want to do up their own homes and live in a scruffly environment then thats fine,Theres alot more they understand about housing and construction now (and they continue to improve standards all the time) I mean who ever heard of lead paint being harmfull to health years back? , yes everyone in business wants a return on their investment who doesnt, its business after all but, if it moves things forwards improves environmental standards, open green spaces new parks (according to the edge hill video) wouldnt it be nice to look out and see trees? and a new park? anyway seriousley I hope it doesnt go ahead I hope the residents get what they deserve, no investment. Its far more expensive to do up old housing to modern day current, and I use the word current because european standards and legislation are being updated all the time.I think this isnt really about housing, I think its a long standing issue regarding corporate companies and how much they stand to gain, its sad really, when yes there has to be gain, but its about improvement too its about being realistic, its about health, its about standards of living, its about making homes more energy efficient, But at the end of the day, we must go with what the majority want.(But personally I feel this is outside influence against corporate companies and not about housing)
kat

[Howie]

I just used the Liverpool Indymedia site as an example to provide some background. (It's also worth reading this thread from the beginning). The point I was making is that a lot of things have gone on over the last 5 or 6 years here in the Edge Lane/Kensington area of which you are probably unaware. And, as usual in Liverpool, where money is involved not everybody plays by the rules.

[lindylou]

I'm a low waged public sector employee in my fifties with no savings. I've no desire to take on any further debt at my age or start paying out rent from my limited income. So no I'll stay living where I can afford to in the Victorian terrace that I paid for. Maybe I'll be dead before the CPO drops on my mat (if the experience of Edge Lane is anything to go by) and if the boiler packs up I'll replace it if I can and if not I'll manage without. If they do get round to demolishing my house and the Liverpool Canal Link has been completed perhaps a second-hand narrowboat would be an affordable option as a new home. :rolleyes:



Howie, that could be me talking:

We are in the same age group as you, in our own house which we paid for ourselves - a Victorian terrace that has seen 5 generations of my family.
We are on a limited income with no savings, we don't want to go in for another mortgage at our age, and even if we did we can't afford the current prices of property. If we were to move we would want to go to another 'better' location - but in the more desirable areas the prices are way out of any ordinary wage earners league.

Like you, we do what we can in maintaining our property, we replace things when they need it, etc.

I can see both sides here: I realise that of course we do need progress and move with the times. There are people in a postion like ourselves though, that cannot afford to move. Renting would be out of the question for me pesonally. I have always lived in my own property and wouldn't consider paying rent. it's not something I am used to and I've never had to do. Why should I go and pay rent when I live in a family home which we have striven to buy and to renovate to a high standard. Like Howie, we will stay here because we can afford it ... until such times that a windfall might drop into our laps and then I'm off !!!

I wouldn't mind moving out to make way for a road widening scheme only if they gave me enough compensation to move to Calderstones or Grassendale, or somewhere equally upmarket !! ha! :unibrow: ( but then we couldn't afford the high rates there !!) :rolleyes: :PDT_Xtremez_42:

[kat2]

So, you wouldnt want to move out and then back into a brand new house, central heating double glazed energy efficient, parking space for a car safe place for children to play, tree lined areas, the same spot where you are now but a brand new estate, new shops new business, new health centers? dispensation for the inconvienience of having to move out whilst the work is done,then a fixed rent over ex years? plus compensation for the value of your current home!
Mixed tenure schemes do work and seem to becoming more popular.
Anyway seems people want new homes for free (which is a pipe dream) I know which option I would take for example if you had a right to buy, think about this, your new home in the spot of the old home on a brand new desireable estate if you were paid sufficient compensation and went on a right to buy scheme, and could sell your new home think about how much profit could be made from such an investment?
kat

[AK1]

Did anyone see the picture of what the rocket junction will look like in the Merseymart. It looks great.
I've noticed that the former carpet world and mfi on edge lane seem to be under demolition. This could mean that the retail park may be getting refurbished quite soon, I will try and find out.

[Howie]

City grot shame of tycoon
Jul 26 2007
by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/jul2007/1/6/0217E249-C6AE-C6B8-5FF2ACA49C2EB74B.jpg

THE owner of Liverpool’s three worst grotspots was today threatened with legal action.

The Edge Lane sites topped a list of the city’s top 100 eyesores last year.

But talks to sort out the grotspots have so far failed.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/07/26/city-grot-shame-of-tycoon-100252-19522839/)...

[snappel]

So, you wouldnt want to move out and then back into a brand new house, central heating double glazed energy efficient, parking space for a car safe place for children to play, tree lined areas, the same spot where you are now but a brand new estate, new shops new business, new health centers? dispensation for the inconvienience of having to move out whilst the work is done,then a fixed rent over ex years? plus compensation for the value of your current home!
Mixed tenure schemes do work and seem to becoming more popular.
Anyway seems people want new homes for free (which is a pipe dream) I know which option I would take for example if you had a right to buy, think about this, your new home in the spot of the old home on a brand new desireable estate if you were paid sufficient compensation and went on a right to buy scheme, and could sell your new home think about how much profit could be made from such an investment?
kat
I think you've quite missed Howie's point.

[kat2]

Snappel, I dont think I have, with due respect. I have in the past sat on housing association and council meetings regarding regeneration projects. Homes of today have to adhear to very stick standards. Your lucky your not over here on wirral where they take a very tough stance on housing disrepair in the private sector. You may or maynot recall, the problems faced by the council in the past was lack of central funding, that is how social housing stock fell into disrepair. Councils could not bid for money in the same way in which private sector social housing associations could. The council use such terms as "our prefered working partners", meaning working in partnership with private investment. Right so, this is what is done over here, your a private home owner and your property falls into disrepair, the council warns you and asks you to make good the property, if you fail to carry out the works then the council carry out the works on your behalf, if you fail to pay for the works done, then the council can take legal action to recover the costs of the works done. if you still fail to pay then the council can sell your home to recover the cost and give you what ever is left.
The biggest Majority of home owners on the edge lane project have already sold up. In a democracy majority rule and that is how this will be judged. Eventually councils will get a bigger say locally rather than appeals to white hall.
The days of being held to randsom are coming to an end (thankfully).
If there are areas where no body wishes to live but a small minority that cannot be good for not only that area but from the councils point of view of trying to collect revenues from those sites. Sites that do not collect revenue due to low council tax banding only create a bigger problem of council tax increases.
If our victorian for fathers took the same attitude as some do today, we would be stuck in mud hut villages.
kat

[petromax]

The number of people in the cities is rising and rising dramatically; but not in Liverpool. The population was over 800,000 in 1937 and is now 432,000. It has stopped falling; but only just, and is creeping up in the hundreds not in the thousands. Our birth rate is no less than elsewhere which means people are still leaving Liverpool in droves.

We need excellent places to live to keep those who are born here and even better places to work. We need to get people back and attract new people. We won't do it with lashed up Victorian houses without boilers and a refusal to contemplate any kind of change for the better because what we've got is what we're used to.

Even if you have worked hard enough to own your house outright, it's only worth what it's worth. If it's got no boiler and costs a fortune to heat, don't be surprised if it's not that much. To then get a chance for a new and comfortable home in pleasant surroundings at a price you can afford without risk, even if rented (and maintained by someone else) plus a bit of cash to enjoy it - then great!

We're a long time dead, so we may as well enjoy these great times for Liverpool while we can. Look at the positives. New homes that are comfortable and affordable in a thriving and prosperous city.

As little as ten years ago, nothing was being done and this great city was withering away. People moaned then, they should stop now.

[marky]

All this fuss over Edge Lane did highlight the selfishness of a certain group of people...those who signed a petition to have other citizens thrown out of their homes. They are the lowest of the low in my opinion.
I wouldn't take any lessons from the Council or their lackeys regarding housing repair or regeneration, when they neglected their own housing stock for decades. I've yet to discover a more disreputable organisation.

[AK1]

As is stated above, they didn't purposely neglect the housing stock, there was simply no funding from central government and the people who signed the petition didn't sign to get people thrown out, it was a petition to ask LLDC to push ahead with demolition of existing derelict properties and press ahead with the regeneration of the area.

On a different note, to see the plans for the Rocket Junction, go to http://www.edgelane.net and click on 'M62 Rocket Junction'.

[marky]

This doesn't really apply to the Edge Lane area as they're mainly private, but...The Council took rents for many years and didn't spend enough of this income on repairs. That's the simple fact. They also mismanaged their housing stock (many empty properties/no income). If it were a private landlord who acted in this manner, everyone would say they were either corrupt/useless or purposely neglectful. The 'no funding from central government' excuse has been used by politicians for every cash shortfall I can ever remember. I'll predict that I'll hear the phrase used again and again in the future. I suppose it all comes down to whether one trusts the financial competency of politicians to set proper budgets.
The petition was part and parcel of the route to shifting everyone out, whilst they would be sitting pretty.

[petromax]

So, if the council doesn't have enough money to maintain houses because there is not enough money coming in, they are corrupt. But if an individual householder doesn't replace a boiler for the same reason, he is a saint and a paragon of thrift!

[marky]

An individual, who owns their own house, is free to maintain it in a manner which is acceptable to themselves (within certain legal limits). The Council, on the other hand had a statutory duty, just like any other landlord, to maintain their properties to an acceptable standard. Whatever the reason, the Council clearly failed in this duty, and that's an undeniable fact.

[AK1]

I think alot of people are forgetting that the mistakes made in the past where made by a different council and this council is doing all it can to fix them. This council has done alot in terms of regeneration in residential areas. Countless houses have been refurbished and brought up to modern standards, but on some occasions it is best to demolish, and if that means having to remove a few residents then so be it. We can't let the sometimes selfish minority scupper regeneration plans that are vitally needed.

[Jericho]

I think alot of people are forgetting that the mistakes made in the past where made by a different council and this council is doing all it can to fix them. This council has done alot in terms of regeneration in residential areas. Countless houses have been refurbished and brought up to modern standards, but on some occasions it is best to demolish, and if that means having to remove a few residents then so be it. We can't let the sometimes selfish minority scupper regeneration plans that are vitally needed.

The policies underpinning New Heartlands were set in motion when Liverpool was in terminal decline. Things have changed. A rethink is called for.

Has there EVER been a case where people were offered refurbishment of their existing community and instead voted for modern housing?

Manchester is just about to introduce congestion charges to keep cars out of the city centre and in exchange receive hundreds of millions of pounds to further build up their public transport infrastructure. What are we doing? Building a dual carriageway into the city centre! No one else does that anymore - it's the mindset of the 80s. And you say LCC has it's finger on the pulse. Whose pulse is that - Derek Hatton's? :eek:

[AK1]

Congestion charging will come here eventually, but Liverpool doesn't need it yet because its not as busy as places like Manchester. In order to use cogestion charging you must have the infrastructure to support such as dual carriageways etc. Things like the edge lane project happened in Manchester years ago, and Liverpool is having to play catch up before we even think of congestion charging.

[kat2]

I think your missing the point regarding housing and in particular the council, what I said was true and valid from somebody that worked in many different council departments across the UK. Each year councils were forced to make cut backs sadly all too often and I know because I worked for a time in stock control we had regular tenants smashing things like toilet pans, baths, new plaster scrapped off the walls, it didnt take many of these to make cash in demand, oh and every time we didnt do something rest assured we were taken to court. More often than not it turned out tenants smashed up their own property to get rehoused. "FACT". If tenants maintaine their homes to a reasonable standard it should only require minimal maintanance. it doesnt take much to financially cripple a council, thank goodness they got out of the housing stock game. How dis heartening it was to see plumbers get a repair sheet for toilets smashed only to have to go back a few weeks later to replace them.
Common things, broken windows (regular) broken doors (lost keys), broken toilet pans, all adds up.
Regarding the motorway or rather edge lane widening plane, dont forget if they are increasing the citys capacity and business infa structure then transport is a key part of this redevelopment, and yes, I think the council do have it about right. People feel safer travelling in their own cars (sad but true fact). It was just sad that Liverpool never had a suitable motorway link directly in to the city center years ago. And lets not forget it wasnt that long ago that manchester got its final links in its ring road, not to mention princess park way which was a dual carriage way but is now part of the M602.
if your going to attract busness they want viable transport routes, be that rail road or by air.

kat
:)

[petromax]

quite so! For every 'right' there is an obligation. You can't have the freedom to wilfully neglect or destroy your property and the right to a decent standard of accommodation. If you do exactly what you like then don't be upset if you have to live with the consequences.

A minimum standard of roads is needed. The city is obliged to make coming to the city attractive and to provide reasonable access including for those who want to drive. As it happens, roads are very limited but trains and other forms of public transport move more people and move them in a greener fashion.

It was believed we had a 'right' to a government grant for trams. We didn't feel obliged to make them pay and that's why we lost them.

If there's one thing the 80s reminded us then it is that you have to pay your way.

[kat2]

I agree, if you wish to have better facilities and services then like everything in life you have to pay for them, in this case via your housing tax.
kat
:)

[petromax]

I hear that the lady who objected to the Edge Lane scheme is not directly affected by it ie. a busy-body. Is this correct?

[Howie]

I hear that the lady who objected to the Edge Lane scheme is not directly affected by it ie. a busy-body. Is this correct?
No, it is incorrect. She is directly affected. Elizabeth Pascoe is a homeowner in Adderley Street which is subject to the Edge Lane West CPO.

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/CPO.jpg
CPO Area

[Jericho]

Congestion charging will come here eventually, but Liverpool doesn't need it yet because its not as busy as places like Manchester. In order to use cogestion charging you must have the infrastructure to support such as dual carriageways etc. Things like the edge lane project happened in Manchester years ago, and Liverpool is having to play catch up before we even think of congestion charging.

So you are arguing that we should first encourage congestion in the city centre BEFORE we attempt to remove it by having an integrated public transport system? Why not cut to the chase? Avoid the congestion and develop an integrated transport system.

Anyone who knows London could verify that every local high street carries more traffic than Edge Lane. The idea that Edge Lane has a serious traffic problem, and the only way to solve this is to build a dual carriageway all the way to the city centre is laughable. Because it's easy to park your car in town people are used to driving in. This should not be encouraged.

[Jericho]

[QUOTE]I think your missing the point regarding housing and in particular the council, what I said was true and valid from somebody that worked in many different council departments across the UK. Each year councils were forced to make cut backs sadly all too often and I know because I worked for a time in stock control we had regular tenants smashing things like toilet pans, baths, new plaster scrapped off the walls, it didnt take many of these to make cash in demand, oh and every time we didnt do something rest assured we were taken to court. More often than not it turned out tenants smashed up their own property to get rehoused.

Are you suggesting this is what occurred in the Edge Lane area? If not, I'm not sure how this is relevant to this debate.


"FACT". If tenants maintaine their homes to a reasonable standard it should only require minimal maintanance. it doesnt take much to financially cripple a council, thank goodness they got out of the housing stock game. How dis heartening it was to see plumbers get a repair sheet for toilets smashed only to have to go back a few weeks later to replace them. Common things, broken windows (regular) broken doors (lost keys), broken toilet pans, all adds up.

Again, your anecdotes are interesting but how do they fit the Edge Lane area?


Regarding the motorway or rather edge lane widening plane, dont forget if they are increasing the citys capacity and business infa structure then transport is a key part of this redevelopment, and yes, I think the council do have it about right. People feel safer travelling in their own cars (sad but true fact). It was just sad that Liverpool never had a suitable motorway link directly in to the city center years ago. And lets not forget it wasnt that long ago that manchester got its final links in its ring road, not to mention princess park way which was a dual carriage way but is now part of the M602. if your going to attract busness they want viable transport routes, be that rail road or by air

Where's your evidence that people don't feel safe travelling by local transport? This is an anecdote. People who drive cars often say this so that they continue to do as they wish - sad but true fact. :nod: IMO people should be discouraged from using their cars as much as possible. If there are genuine (as opposed to self-serving) concerns about safety then these need to be properly addressed.

I'm still waiting for someone to answer my question: Has there ever been a case where a community living in a place like Edge Hill, Anfiield or parts of L8 has been offered the CHOICE of refurbishment/rennovation of existing housing stock and they have turned it down?

[PhilipG]

Thanks for the map, Howie.
I can now get snapping!

Jericho.
As somebody who has used public transport on Merseyside for over 40 years (I don't drive), there are quite a lot of times I don't feel safe, and that is not an anecdote. I even worked on the busses in the 1960s.
If it's not young people on the bus causing trouble and smoking dope, there is a chance that the bus will be stoned.
The trains are marginally better because police now patrol Merseyrail, but they can't be in every carriage all the time.

[kat2]

Jericho
Where's your evidence that people don't feel safe travelling by local transport.
Look at the investment in cameras on trains, train stations, bus terminals, bus's, and look at the slogans on some of the trains reminding us that cameras are installed for our safety? why would all this investment need to take place if everyone felt safe on public transport, thats "fact"
Merseyside transport police now patrol the underground on a regular bases, if people already felt safe before this then why bother to invest in police officers on trains?

Why should the council re invest in run down housing stock, and no my evidence is not ancidotal its factual. Regarding how does this relate to edge lane, well, there are or rather were private landlords and some social landlords in the area. If you turn around what has been said and your implying that private home owners are responsible for the condition of their own propertys? then why should the council tax payer foot the bill to refurbish homes that private owners cannot be bothered to maintaine? sure everyone would like their existing homes done up for free! and what about the infa structure, safe places to park cars? green spaces, refurbishment doesnt bring about those without demolition. All housing stock has a shelf life, the condition of roofing timbers, lack of damp coursing, poor insultion values lead water pipes no heating rotten windows, all adds to the cost. and in the end what would they end up with? the same problems they had before (just suspended).
With regards to the road, they have to invest in the road to bring in new business to the city center and to attract further investment. Every city needs to have a good transport infa structure.
kat
:)

[Jericho]

Thanks for the map, Howie.
I can now get snapping!

Jericho.
As somebody who has used public transport on Merseyside for over 40 years (I don't drive), there are quite a lot of times I don't feel safe, and that is not an anecdote. I even worked on the busses in the 1960s.
If it's not young people on the bus causing trouble and smoking dope, there is a chance that the bus will be stoned.
The trains are marginally better because police now patrol Merseyrail, but they can't be in every carriage all the time.

I'm sorry to hear about your experiences of not feeling safe. I don't travel much by bus because I'm only 5 minutes away from a train station and (anecdotally) I have never felt unsafe. I know of one person who was travelling by a train into Central a few years ago and some yobs threw a paving stone from the bridge at Fulwood Park. I read that there have been a series of similar events in north Liverpool and on the Wirral over the past few months. I also remember something about kids stoning the night bus in the Garston area recently.

On the other hand, if you think about the number of bus/train journeys made a day and the number of occasions there is any trouble, statistically such incidents will be the exception not the rule and yet the local media often present it as if it's happening all the time.

My main point, however, was about discouraging car usage. Concerns about safety need to be dealt with ASAP.

[PhilipG]

I'm certainly with you about discouraging car use.
As I said, I don't drive (for a number of reasons, one is from a green point of view), and while I'm waiting for busses, practically all the cars just contain the driver, and nobody else.
About feeling safe on public transport - I won't use it in the evenings!

[Jericho]

Jericho
Where's your evidence that people don't feel safe travelling by local transport.
Look at the investment in cameras on trains, train stations, bus terminals, bus's, and look at the slogans on some of the trains reminding us that cameras are installed for our safety? why would all this investment need to take place if everyone felt safe on public transport, thats "fact"
Merseyside transport police now patrol the underground on a regular bases, if people already felt safe before this then why bother to invest in police officers on trains?

Why should the council re invest in run down housing stock, and no my evidence is not ancidotal its factual. Regarding how does this relate to edge lane, well, there are or rather were private landlords and some social landlords in the area. If you turn around what has been said and your implying that private home owners are responsible for the condition of their own propertys? then why should the council tax payer foot the bill to refurbish homes that private owners cannot be bothered to maintaine? sure everyone would like their existing homes done up for free! and what about the infa structure, safe places to park cars? green spaces, refurbishment doesnt bring about those without demolition. All housing stock has a shelf life, the condition of roofing timbers, lack of damp coursing, poor insultion values lead water pipes no heating rotten windows, all adds to the cost. and in the end what would they end up with? the same problems they had before (just suspended).
With regards to the road, they have to invest in the road to bring in new business to the city center and to attract further investment. Every city needs to have a good transport infa structure.
kat
:)

Hi Kat,

I have addressed the issue about safety above.

In terms of who foots the bill for rennovation, I think people who don't have a morgage or have paid for their property should be put in one of those schemes whereby they own a certain percentage of their property and the housing association owns the rest. In terms of additional costs, the cost of demolishing exisiting properties and building new ones as part of social housing provision would be offset by using this money to rennovate exisiting areas and giving people a real stake in their community. Maybe then they will leave the plumbing and bathroom fittings alone! In a capitalist system the more this type of scheme was operated the cheaper it would become.

BTW, did all the tenants behave in the way you describe in your post? :eek:

In terms of roads - Liverpool's roads are fine. There isn't any meaningful congestion. I can drive from where I live in Aigburth to anywhere in town in about 10 minutes (if I get caught in a bit of traffic at a traffic light). Even at rush hour, I can still do it in 20 minutes. We don't need any more dual carriageways in the centre of town. There isn't the demand for them. The only place I can see a demand would be from Seaforth docks to Switch Island in order to get the lorries away from the port.

[Howie]

I’ll spend £200m on my grot spots, if only city will let me
Jul 31 2007
by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

TYCOON Albert Gubay today unveiled his £200m plan to transform Liverpool’s Edge Lane.

It includes turning Edge Lane retail park into a 21st-century shopping and leisure complex – and the demise of the city’s three worst grotspots.

His company, Derwent Holdings, revealed its intentions for the important site days after Liverpool council threatened legal action to tidy up eyesores on the key route.

The firm claims it has been trying to regenerate the area for eight years – but has so far failed to receive crucial backing from city councillors.

But the council says Derwent has yet to come up with the type of scheme it wants for Edge Lane.

Derwent’s proposal would see:

Edge Lane retail park demolished and replaced with modern shops and leisure facilities, with most of the current stores moving into the new premises. Offices and a hotel would also be built.

A central boulevard through the rebuilt retail park, with views over the city centre.

The notorious Rugs 2 Go and Klaussner site transformed into housing.

The derelict Advent car showroom demolished and replaced with leisure facilities.

A former factory site in Mill Lane, off Edge Lane, redeveloped into small industrial units and housing.

Derwent, which owns the retail park, says the scheme is entirely privately funded by Mr Gubay’s property empire and could start as soon as it got council approval.

A spokesman said: “For the past 25 years, we have been instrumental in pioneering the development and regeneration of this section of Edge Lane.

“We were interested in developing this area when it had long been neglected and fallen into disrepair. At the time, the area was a scene of industrial desolation.

“We have been proud to make a contribution to what we see as the beginnings of the renovation of this vital gateway into Liverpool.

“For the last eight years, we have been seeking to comprehensively develop our land in Edge Lane with a view to producing a world-class scheme appropriate for the 21st century.

“We have been continuously and bitterly frustrated in that desire by a staggering series of last-minute U-turns and broken promises on the part of the council.”

Derwent claims it has twice held lengthy talks about possible schemes for Edge Lane, in 1999 and 2001, only for the council to step back at the last minute.

It also says it presented its current proposal to the council in February, but was told it was “too ambitious”.

Its spokesman said: “It seems the council is pursuing an agenda for development in Liverpool which just does not include any satisfactory proposals for Edge Lane.

“By closing off crossing spaces in the central reservation, it is producing what amounts to a sterile corridor for traffic from the M62 to the city centre.

We have been, and continue to be, open to any discussions with the council to resolve the current stalemate. Ultimately, we must work together for the good of the city we all love.”

Liverpool council is mid way through the Edge Lane Project, a multi-million pound scheme to improve the road and the buildings alongside it.

Officials today hit back at Derwent Holdings, saying it has ignored guidance on the best way to revitalise Edge Lane.

A spokesman said: “While discussions have been held between council officers and the landowner over a number of years, the details are necessarily confidential.

“However, to achieve the outcome sought by both parties – the environmental improvement of Edge Lane and an attractive retail and leisure offer – we have repeatedly stated that a comprehensive scheme is needed, in accordance with national and local planning guidance.

“The landowner has either submitted incremental proposals with little or no justification, or proposals of such a scale and form that could not achieve planning permission.

“Our advice and guidance has been ignored to date.

“If followed, it could lead to a comprehensive scheme for the redevelopment of this important and strategic section of Edge Lane.”

nick.coligan@liverpool.com

Source: Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/07/31/i-ll-spend-200m-on-my-grot-spots-if-only-city-will-let-me-100252-19546574/)

[lindylou]

Philip I am with you on this one.

I have to use the bus when I can't get a lift.

Depends which bus route you have to use I suppose, but using the 14 which goes from town right through to Broadway, Croxteth etc, is like being on Boffo Tours !! :shock:

Not too bad mornings - when all the 'nom de plumes' are still in their pits - - but any later you are subject to all manner of sights and sounds - and smells !
ie; screaming kids and screaming mothers .. ''gerr'eerr NOW'' , loud mobile phone conversations down your lughole ! hoodies smoking foul smelling stinky stuff, vile language, empty coke cans rolling around from one end of the bus to the other - - not to mention when the school kids pile on after school lets out :shock: :shock: like all hell's let loose.

.... and you wonder why people would rather go by car !

my husband refuses to travel by bus - he refuses to have to sit surrounded by foul mouth hoodies, litter and graffiti'd seats - and I don't blame him.

(My stepfather hasn't been on a bus for about 40 years !! and is not about to start ! )

Who can blame people wanting to use the comfort and privacy of their own transport. Especially these days with what we have to contend with (anti-social stuff).


A lot of people feel unsafe on public transport at evening times.

[PhilipG]

I heard that the Regal Bingo in Broadway was going to close, so I went to take photos, and caught the 14 on a Saturday afternoon.
It wasn't a case of feeling unsafe, because I was genuinely frightened on that day.
Those things you get for parties that explode and shoot out streams of sticky stuff, not sure what they're called, were being set off by about 8 youths at the back of the bus. Not children, they were about 16 to 19.
The bus was quite full, so I had no choice but to sit a couple of seats in front of them.
I knew they were just hoping that me (or somebody) was going to tackle them, but I'm not a hero, so I sat, disgusted with myself for letting them shoot these things at me.
As I was getting off I asked a young mother at the front of the bus whether there was anything on my back. She said no, and I could hear the laugh in her voice.
The back of my jacket was covered in the stuff!

[kat2]

Hi, Jericho,
statistics are a wonderfull tool until something happens to you then you become part of that statistic. There has (sadly been a long standing issue over the safety of passengers on public transport)
I still do not beleive it is a safe way to travel and, like one poster has already said he wouldnt venture out at night on public transport. I was told off a few years back on a bus travelling home late at night on my own, the bus driver said to my that I was asking for trouble and made things difficult for him should something happen!!!.
I have boarded the tube trains late at night and it sure is a scary place, drunks, drug addicts they all seem to come out late at night.
Over here in the wirral we have had in the last twelve months people being pushed off stations onto railway lines. Regular court sessions to do with people being beaten up at conway park train station. so, I dont consider public transport safe especially when I am restricted to what time I can and cannot use it. With regards to doing up houses, it really isnt as simple as that, I mean what happens if people just dont want to invest in their homes and that the council is trying to inject new investment into an area by making it more viable, (shops places to go green spaces car parking) alot of people moved out of parts of edge lane long before the proposed works indeed alot have gone since because generally people have told us time and again, that they want a better nicer place to bring up their children. There fed up with mr/mrs druggie on the corner, or the getto no go areas. Hence why areas are looked at in a more complex form than you think. I am sure you may have come across the "phrase" designing crime out"? well, thats what they are trying to do, make a place more nicer to live in. And the other side of the coin too, is there are alot of propertys in Liverpool in the low council tax band, wirral has the same problem too.
kat
:)

[petromax]

David Waugh, who was head of Liverpool Land Development Corporation spent the latter half of a very successful career revolutionising Speke; creating thoudands of jobs and making Liverpool a more attractive place for people to invest in and create more jobs in. After years of trying to do the same thing at Edge Lane and meeting such opposition and people who prefer to live in squalor as long as it's their own squalor, it's no wonder he resigned.

As for the rotten state of the buses and public transport in general, the answer is better control of feral louts rather than the selfishness of cars and more cars.

[petromax]

I was walking in Manchester the other day and was spat on FROM a passing bus by kids who though it was of course hugely funny.

Fortunately it was just stopping at a bus stop.

I complained to the driver who immediately turned off the engine and called the police. He said there was no need for me to hang around and get involved as the police would soon sort it.

There are ways these things can be dealt with without risking being a hero.

[shytalk]

It would be inexpensive and very effective to put smoke alarms on buses connected to the engine cut off, this would sort the problem of yobs smoking skunk on them. Of course it would require the cooperation of the police who might not approve of the extra work.

[Kev]

It would be inexpensive and very effective to put smoke alarms on buses connected to the engine cut off, this would sort the problem of yobs smoking skunk on them. Of course it would require the cooperation of the police who might not approve of the extra work.

There would be some risk in undertaking such work surely?:unibrow:

[shytalk]

There would be some risk in undertaking such work surely?:unibrow:

I could see problems of buses stopping in the middle lane of a motorway but I'm sure it could be designed to warn the driver before the cut off, and once the yobs knew it was in place and they would be removed from the bus they would be less inclined to do it.
Was just an idea, because nothing seems to get done about them.
I was on a bus coming down from Glasgow about 5 years ago and someone was smoking, the steward warned them and they didn't stop, the police were at the next rest stop to remove them, has so much changed in 5 years?.

[Kev]

A SECOND public inquiry into the regeneration of the Edge Lane corridor will go ahead, it can be revealed. Read (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/09/24/second-edge-lane-inquiry-scheduled-for-next-year-64375-19836332/)

[scottieroader]

as well as the fact that residents are being shafted and given pittance for their homes. There is the fact that there are some beautiful houses along Edge Lane which will be demolished and replaced with (what appears from the artists impressions to be bland yuppie trash that could be anywhere.

Liverpool has done well to maintain something of a townscape on the roads in. Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow and Birmingham all had this kind of townscape (driving into town through a vibrant community makes you feel like you are approaching a real place) demolished and replaced with motorways. Reducing the density, quality of architecture and mix of residents will take away any chance of this vibrancy being restored (I admit that in the present state the vibrancy isn't there, but doing this will mean it's gone forever).

It all smacks of the automatic assumption that terraced housing is what is causing the social and economic problems of the area. Remember Graham 'nobody wants to see Coronation Street housing on Liverpool's doorstep' well about 6 million people watch Corrie a day so it can't be that undesirable.

Speaking of Corrie... a similar thing is happening in Langworthy, Salford (where the opening credits were filmed) Residents are being turfed out of their own homes and assured that they will be able to move back into better quality housing. But they are having to pay for this increase in quality. Basically, they are being forced to move to luxury housing and pay luxury housing prices when they are perfectly happy with low-end terraced housing because it's what they can afford. Also, as in with one woman, sometimes they find their way back into the area blocked. This woman, a professional with a broad Salfordian accent was told by the council that they wanted a higher class of person to move into the area.

[Cadfael]

Don't forget to visit my website written for Elizabeth:

www.edgelane.moonfruit.com

[christy]

Driving through the buisness park past Barclays etc the other day for the first time in awhile and came across the roadworks in there. Seems that a new road has been put in from Edge Lane through behind the Littlewoods building to join up at a new junction with the road through the buisness park and then directly onto Picton/Wavertree road.
If this is the here, why could they not have made this the new entrance into the city. They have done major work on the new junction near Laurel road at the other end of this new road so why could it not have been widened to 2 lanes each way and continued onto Picton/Wavertree road and down past the Bears paw towards West Derby street and the proposed new junction that will lead to Low Hill and Islington. This would be a very easy solution and cancels out the flawed shallow 'arguaments' on road safety for the top end of edge lane (pavement widths etc etc.) as edge lane would be diverted to the left of Botanic park and totally miss the top end of Edge lane.
This would also lead to the regeneration of Wavertree road which is much worse than edge lane.
The fact that this road was always going to be constructed also shows that the council's accusations about the edge lane protestors causing the city to look bad for visitors using edge lane because of delays is also just propaganda to turn people against them. In the time they have stubbornly trying to get their own way, the council and its officers have missed a golden opportunity that could have resulted in a compromise that would have went a long way to pleasing all side, maintaining our built heritage and improving the main route into the city for visitors.

[Cadfael]

Driving through the buisness park past Barclays etc the other day for the first time in awhile and came across the roadworks in there. Seems that a new road has been put in from Edge Lane through behind the Littlewoods building to join up at a new junction with the road through the buisness park and then directly onto Picton/Wavertree road.
If this is the here, why could they not have made this the new entrance into the city. They have done major work on the new junction near Laurel road at the other end of this new road so why could it not have been widened to 2 lanes each way and continued onto Picton/Wavertree road and down past the Bears paw towards West Derby street and the proposed new junction that will lead to Low Hill and Islington. This would be a very easy solution and cancels out the flawed shallow 'arguaments' on road safety for the top end of edge lane (pavement widths etc etc.) as edge lane would be diverted to the left of Botanic park and totally miss the top end of Edge lane.
This would also lead to the regeneration of Wavertree road which is much worse than edge lane.
The fact that this road was always going to be constructed also shows that the council's accusations about the edge lane protestors causing the city to look bad for visitors using edge lane because of delays is also just propaganda to turn people against them. In the time they have stubbornly trying to get their own way, the council and its officers have missed a golden opportunity that could have resulted in a compromise that would have went a long way to pleasing all side, maintaining our built heritage and improving the main route into the city for visitors.

:handclap::handclap::handclap:

[marky]

Edge Lane cover-up. This is the top section, between Marmaduke St and Holt Rd. Be quick if you want to photograph the rest of Edge Lane before it gets decorated.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/south_liverpool/Edge_Lane_landmarks.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/south_liverpool/Edge_Lane_lighthouse.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/south_liverpool/Liverbird_Edge_Lane.jpg

[Cadfael]

I've got hi-res pictures of all buildings in and around Edge Hill :PDT11

What a bloody waste of taxpayers money by boarding up the windows again with boards like that. Like it's going to make a jot of difference!

[pasha]

i grew up in edge lane (grampian road ) and i have happy memories living there. playing on the police'y gound, the smell from crawford's biscuits, meeting me mum fron plessey,s and meccano after she finished work. playing hide and seek in the flats, kick the can in the street, oh yes and putting a rope around the old lights and swinging around them. looking out of my bedroom window and seeing mountains in the distance and day dreaming i was going to go there one day to see where they where.( still never found out). i learned to ride a bike there when i was little (a butchers bike) lol, standing outside the pub with a guy fawlkes waiting for the men to come out to give us penny,s. walking to school down church road every morning and walking the same way to church on a sunday morning. collecting for rubbish on bonfire night going around all the streets with an old pram filling it up to the brim. 1975/6 the heatwave watching the railway go on fire and the firemen trying to get water out of the ground fasinated us, taking the pop bottles back to the shop with the top on and getting money back of them and buying sweets.
the people the characters the family,s friends that all lived there are all gone now as i found out when i took my children to see where i grew up, edge lane looks nothing like the place i remember, but i have fond memories of a time past.
debbie

[AK1]

I was hoping for more large scale boarding to cover the whole front of the houses. This boarding of the windows doesn't escape the fact that they are still surrounded by a derelict house. The sooner they go altogether, the better.

[DaisyChains]

I love this house in that area.
I can't believe it's going (is it?)
Such architecture we will never see again.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a2/Carrie132/edgelane.jpg

[Kev]

I know what you mean. I drove past and thought the same thing.

[DaisyChains]

I know what you mean. I drove past and thought the same thing.

Makes me really sad :(

[Kev]

It does, I was pleasantly surprised by the improvement of Holt Rd. Seemed lots going on.

Many thanks for your recent pics. Much appreciated :PDT11

[DaisyChains]

It does, I was pleasantly surprised by the improvement of Holt Rd. Seemed lots going on.

Many thanks for your recent pics. Much appreciated :PDT11

No probs at all.
It's what this forum should be all about.

[Max]

Edge Lane cover-up. This is the top section, between Marmaduke St and Holt Rd. Be quick if you want to photograph the rest of Edge Lane before it gets decorated.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/south_liverpool/Edge_Lane_landmarks.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/south_liverpool/Edge_Lane_lighthouse.jpg

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee262/south_liverpool/Liverbird_Edge_Lane.jpg

Are these still here, hope I didn't miss them.:eek:

These can make for some artsy shots.

[DaisyChains]

Are these still here, hope I didn't miss them.:eek:

These can make for some artsy shots.

Hi Max
They are still there. Just been past before.

[Kev]

A NOTORIOUS row of derelict houses have been given an unusual new look for Capital of Culture year.

Imposing terraced properties in Edge Lane have been boarded up for years while controversial regeneration plans for the area are fought over.

City officials want to demolish them and build a 21st-century community in their place, but some residents are still battling to save them.

They successfully halted an attempt to bulldoze the properties last year.

Now, with 2008 looming, the ugly metal shutters keeping the houses secure from vandals and arsonists have been brightened up with modern artwork.

The designs are similar to those being used to hide eyesore structures and building sites from view during Capital of Culture.

Council chiefs launched the Look Of The City scheme earlier this year because they were worried that tourists attending arts events would be put off by scenes of dereliction. The designs were drawn up by Liverpool-based advertising agency Finch to try to reflect different aspects of the city’s history and cultural life.

As well as adorning shutters on houses at the west end of Edge Lane, they are used on banners on lampposts at the road’s central section, near the retail park.

Finch’s managing director Tim Crutchley said: “We wanted to capture a look and feel that captured the essence of the people, the place and the heritage in a visually stimulating way.”

The future of Edge Lane’s boarded-up houses may finally be decided during 2008, after years of uncertainty.

Liverpool Land Development Company (LLDC) wants to bulldoze them so modern apartments and shops can be built on one of the main routes into the city centre.

But a number of residents, led by Elizabeth Pascoe, of Adderley Street, have fought against the multi-million pound scheme, saying the houses should be refurbished. A second public inquiry will be held soon.

nick.coligan@liverpool.com

[Cadfael]

But a number of residents, led by Elizabeth Pascoe, of Adderley Street, have fought against the multi-million pound scheme, saying the houses should be refurbished. A second public inquiry will be held soon.

The next page on my www.edge-lane.com website will be going up this week.

Now that Flash Earth has updated the 'new' Edge Lane, I've put a layer of Edge Lane from 1996 and Edge Lane from 2008 and shown that with all the millions spent upgrading the area, the layout of the road is exactly the same. Millions wasted on little more than putting fancy new kerbs in and done nothing for the motorist.

If they think they're going to demolish the rest of Edge Lane and cheapen it with flatpack houses then watch this space :PDT11

[jay2410]

I've put a layer of Edge Lane from 1996 and Edge Lane from 2008 and shown that with all the millions spent upgrading the area, the layout of the road is exactly the same. Millions wasted on little more than putting fancy new kerbs in and done nothing for the motorist.

If they think they're going to demolish the rest of Edge Lane and cheapen it with flatpack houses then watch this space :PDT11[/QUOTE

How do you expect them to change the road layout of edge lane without knocking houses down, and on what authority do u know that the new 21 century houses will be "flat pack"?

[Cadfael]

How do you expect them to change the road layout of edge lane without knocking houses down, and on what authority do u know that the new 21 century houses will be "flat pack

Something to do with using the old tram route which is now the central reservation would have been a good start. Making Edge Lane a 3 lane access would have been money better spent than adding new kerbstones. :rolleyes:

[SteH]

Something to do with using the old tram route which is now the central reservation would have been a good start. Making Edge Lane a 3 lane access would have been money better spent than adding new kerbstones. :rolleyes:

I agree with you there, 18 months of upheaval for commuters seems a ridiculous price to pay for some fancy lighting and new pavements.

[Howie]

Brighter look for boarded-up houses as battle to save them goes on
Jan 2 2008
by Aaron Boland, Liverpool Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolpost/dec2007/3/8/2DC8D2D7-CC88-0FD3-AD34795866BC7685.jpg

A ROW of derelict houses in the key Edge Lane gateway to Liverpool has been given an exuberant new look to cover up their appearance for Capital of Culture year.

The terraced properties in Edge Lane have been boarded up for a long time while regeneration plans for the area are fought over.

City officials want to demolish them as part of regeneration plans, but some residents are still fighting to save them.

They halted an attempt to bulldoze them last year.

Now the ugly metal shutters keeping the houses secure from vandals and arsonists have been brightened up with artwork featuring the city, Everton and Liverpool football clubs and The Beatles.

The designs are similar to those used to hide eyesores and building sites during Capital of Culture year.

Council chiefs launched the Look of the City scheme because they were worried tourists would be put off by scenes of dereliction.

The designs were drawn up by Liverpool-based advertising agency Finch to try to reflect different aspects of the city’s history and cultural life.

The designs are also used on banners on lamp-posts at the road’s central section.

The future of Edge Lane’s boarded-up houses will be decided in 2008, after years of uncertainty, with a second public inquiry to be held soon.

Reaction to the artwork has been mixed so far, with some people regarding the colourful pictures as “too garish.”

Source: Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-life-features/capital-of-culture/2008/01/02/brighter-look-for-boarded-up-houses-as-battle-to-save-them-goes-on-64375-20304125/)