THE two men who spearheaded Liverpool's bid to win Capital of Culture today said: "We hope the city is still being rebuilt in 2008".

Council chief executive Sir David Henshaw, and former council leader Mike Storey - who now has the portfolio for special projects including culture - claimed a crane-filled skyline was good news for the city.

Speaking today in response to criticism that many parts of the city will still resemble a building site in Capital of Culture year in 2008, Sir David said: "You cannot stop a growing and developing city."

He told the council's executive board: "There is an opportunity to use these developments. Building work shows we are a vibrant city.

"Melbourne has used its building sites for salsa dancing and we can do the same in Liverpool."



Meanwhile, former council leader Mike Storey said he hopes that when 2008 arrives there will still be work in progress.

He added: "We want to see cranes on the skyline.

"When people visit a European city they do not see it in pristine condition.
"I would be concerned if in 2008 we said "this is it" and there was no building going on and no cranes in sight.

"In 2008, the city will be continuing to develop towards 2020......

What do u think? Are cranes a good sign?