Local authorities have responded to the worries aired about the north Liverpool area
Graffiti on the walls in the Leeds Street area on the edge of the city centre(Image: Andy Teebay)
Local authorities have responded to claims an area on the edge of Liverpool’s city centre has become a “dumping ground” amid rising concerns over crime, drugs, and urban decay. The statements follow an ECHO report highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by residents and businesses in Vauxhall.
At the heart of local frustration is Leeds Street, a busy route linking the city centre to the northern docklands and surrounding residential areas. Families and businesses in the area describe the situation as “lawless” and “utterly depressing,” with streets such as Pall Mall, Highfield Street, Vauxhall Road, Marybone, and Midgall Street identified as particular problem areas.
Leeds Street has long been a dividing line in Liverpool’s urban landscape, separating new developments from some of the city’s most deprived communities. While shiny new tower blocks and office spaces have emerged in recent years, parts of the street remain untouched by regeneration.
In 2006, plans were approved to build a YMCA on the major route. The ECHO previously reported Liverpool councillors had approved the scheme after planners told them it should not affect residents and would make a “positive contribution” to the area.
In recent years, however, the area has become a hotspot for drug use, rough sleeping, and antisocial behaviour, according to those who pass through it daily.
Smashed glass littering the street is far from unusual in an area where one person told The Echo they feel like the police and council have given up
Local businesses and residents expressed sympathy for those experiencing homelessness or substance abuse but said they are struggling with constant disturbances and what they perceive as a lack of action from authorities.
The ECHO approached Liverpool City Council, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram and Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell with the concerns raised – each have shared how they will tackle ongoing problems faced in north Liverpool.
The YMCA declined to comment, with a spokesperson saying its “position remains the same” and they will “continue to work closely with partners and residents in the area”.
Liverpool City Council
A spokesperson of Liverpool City Council said: “We understand the frustration expressed by residents who feel that certain areas of north Liverpool have been disproportionately affected by the placement of support services. Decisions regarding facilities such as probation housing or homelessness support are made in partnership with national agencies and charities, including the YMCA, and are based on need, availability, and service accessibility.
“We are continuously reviewing our placement policies and working with partners to ensure that all communities are treated fairly and equitably.
“We are increasing investment in street cleansing, bin replacement, and green space maintenance in outer wards, including Vauxhall, Anfield, Kensington, and Walton. A total of £2.2 million will be used for the roll-out of communal bins ‘hubs’ over the next three years in areas with a high density of terraced housing to help drive up recycling rates and meet the requirement to collect food waste from 2026.
A modern high rise building in the background while the foreground shows wasteland reminiscent of a post apocalyptic TV show (Image: Andy Teebay)
“We are also piloting new enforcement initiatives to tackle littering, fly-tipping, and illegal parking, and we welcome community input to help prioritise hotspots.
“We have increased fines for littering and fly-tipping, and have invested almost £1 million on a new external enforcement team.
“Liverpool City Council’s City Watch Patrol and Response team plays a vital role in maintaining public safety across parks, green spaces, civic buildings, and schools.
“Officers are trained to industry standards, including conflict management, legal enforcement, trauma response, and court procedures. Their work has included life-saving interventions, such as the recent rescue of a visitor trapped under a vehicle, commended by the Chief Constable.
“In the past year, the team has:
- Conducted over 10,000 high-visibility patrols in parks and green spaces.
- Delivered 12,000 patrols to schools and council buildings.
- Carried out 2,500 enforcement actions under various public protection laws.
- Removed over 2,800 untaxed or abandoned vehicles and 20 caravans/trailers.
“They also support Operation Park Safe, a joint initiative with Merseyside Police targeting antisocial behaviour, drug activity, and safety concerns in open spaces. This operation has significantly reduced violent crime and improved public confidence.
“While their patrols focus on council assets, they may operate in surrounding areas as part of their duties.”
The council added: “Liverpool is a city of proud, resilient communities. We are listening, and we are acting.”
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram
A Liverpool City Region Combined Authority spokesperson said: “Mayor Steve Rotheram is determined to breathe new life into left-behind communities across the Liverpool City Region.
“Working with local authorities, police and other partners, the Combined Authority, led by Mayor Rotheram, is investing tens of millions of pounds in city region communities – creating new and improved housing, driving regeneration and delivering opportunity through education, skills, business support and improved transport.
“At the same time, the mayor is working hard to attract more public and private investment into the city region through meetings with ministers, investors and businesses – such as US firm Kyndryl whose recent investment in the city region will deliver up to 1,000 well-paid, high-quality jobs and deliver increased prosperity for years to come.
While shiny new tower blocks and office spaces have appeared in recent years, parts of Leeds Street remain untouched by regeneration. (Image: Andy Teebay)
“However, the scale of the challenge is large and cannot be tackled instantly which is why we’ve developed a 10-year Local Growth Plan to add more than £10bn to the city region economy, while creating tens of thousands of jobs and raising living standards.
“As an authority we have invested substantial funds in north Liverpool and Bootle with ambitious plans for further developments. These range from large-scale housing schemes, such as Lightbody Street delivered by Torus, to supporting Vauxhall Health Centre through our funding for Kindred.
“We hear and appreciate the concerns of people in Vauxhall however as a strategic commissioning authority, our powers to tackle immediate day-to-day issues are extremely limited.
“We will continue to work with partners including Liverpool City Council to invest in long-term improvements to the area.”
Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner
Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported in their neighbourhood, and I take these concerns extremely seriously.
“Anti-social behaviour is a blight on communities, and tackling it is a priority for Merseyside Police and for me as Commissioner.
“Merseyside Police has been taking proactive steps to address issues in and around Vauxhall. This has included increased patrols, the use of anti-social and criminal behaviour orders, targeted operations and enhanced stop and search powers where appropriate.
“However, the issues raised go beyond policing. That’s why in March we launched our EVOLVE scheme in the Everton-Vauxhall area. Delivered in partnership with other agencies, this initiative focuses on tackling criminality and its root causes.
“EVOLVE has already made a significant impact in other parts of Merseyside, and I hope the residents of Vauxhall will begin to see the benefits of this long-term multi-agency approach to clear, holding and rebuilding this area.
“I am committed to working with local partners – including the Metro Mayor and Liverpool City Council – to address the issues raised and ensure that no area feels overlooked or left behind. My office is working a with a problem-solving group which has been established to address these concerns, and we are all committed to listening carefully to residents and to work together to address the wider social and environmental issues affecting these neighbourhoods.
“I regularly meet with residents, councillors, and grassroots groups during my community walkabouts to listen and respond to local issues. I am already due to visit this area next week with Merseyside Police as part of a Bonfire Night deployment to see first hand the work being done to keep residents safe. I would welcome the opportunity to continue these conversations with local people and ensure their voices are central to shaping our response.
“I would urge anyone experiencing anti-social behaviour or crime to please report it to Merseyside Police contact centre via the dedicated Facebook or X page @MerpolCC, via the Merseyside Police website, or by calling 101. Alternatively, to report anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-inform
“Anyone affected by ASB or crime can also contact my Victim Care Merseyside service for advice, support by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm or anytime online at www.victimcaremerseyside.org”