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.

“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