CAMPAIGNERS were celebrating today after winning their long-running battle to rebuild a crime-ridden row of derelict shops.
Empty buildings at the heart of Deysbrook had become a haven for drug users, vandalism and anti-social crime.
But it took residents 10 years to realise their dream of turning the derelict shops into a new community centre.
And it came just two years after it appeared the whole project was on the brink of collapse when a £245,000 government grant seemed to have been lost.
Councillor Ann Hines, who helped lead the campaign, said: “Change doesn’t happen overnight and we’re now starting to see the fruits. I’m delighted for the people living there.”
Campaigners hope the new £500,000 Deysbrook Village Centre, in Deysbrook Way, will become the hub of the once crime-ridden area.
Two days of celebration kicked off yesterday with Cllr Peter Millea cutting the ribbon.
Children from the new on-site nursery performed songs and dances for the crowd and got the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto. And there was bingo for the over-50s.
Cllr Hines said: “The estate within West Derby was in desperate need of regeneration.
div>
“The Deysbrook Village Centre will add to the quality of life for the people living there. It’s part of the regeneration of the area and I hope it will be right at the heart of the community.”
Daily Post and Echo
Bookmarks