Need to knowToday’s stories include a mice-infested shop in Wirral, Scousers weighing in on the New Year Honours list, and plans to transform a historic Merseyside pub site
Poundland is among shops that closed branches this year Here are five stories published by the Liverpool Echo you may have missed today.
1) Mice ‘ate’ chocolate on display at shop where people are now banned
A Merseyside shop where people have been banned for three months was also given the worst possible rating following a food hygiene inspection. In March 2025, Wirral Council said there was an “imminent risk to health” because of what they found. Wallasey Market, based in Liscard, was given a zero food hygiene rating in March 2025. The business was operated by Wallasey Market Limited at the time but the ECHO understands it has since changed owners, though the rating was still in place. The report said the standards found at the premises were “wholly unacceptable” with a “mouse infestation, gnawed product, [and] droppings on shelves”. READ HERE.
2) Scousers have their say on the New Year Honours list
Liverpool and royal honours lists haven’t always seen eye to eye. Famously, John Lennon returned his MBE in 1969 in protest against Britain’s support for the federal government in the Nigerian Civil War and for the USA in Vietnam. And while various players and staff from both clubs have received honours such as MBEs and OBEs, incredibly, it took until 2018 for Sir Kenny Dalglish to become the first footballer from either Liverpool or Everton to receive a knighthood. READ HERE.
3) List of brands that closed shops in 2025
2025 was a tough year for the high street and saw the closure of numerous well-known chains including Poundland, Cancer Research, Pizza Hut and New Look, with losses seen across beauty, food and clothing retailers. The change to the shopping landscape aren’t just limited to Liverpool’s high streets and across the country shutters are going up. While some high street closures have been limited to a handful of branches, others have seen huge swathes of shops close due to financial pressures. Some shops have further closures planned for next year. READ HERE.
4) Historic Merseyside pub demolished as site to be transformed
An historic Merseyside pub has disappeared from view after being demolished ahead of work starting on a major new development for the local area. The Old Roan Pub, which first opened its doors all the way back in 1908, has now been pulled down, having lain derelict for more than a decade. The situation surrounding the future of the pub site in Copy Lane, Aintree has been the source of much speculation in recent months and years. According to historical records, the Old Roan Inn was documented for the first time in 1798 and subsequently torn down before construction on the current building began in 1890. READ HERE.
5) Lilly Gerrard shows off baby’s stylish nursery with £1,040 blanket
Lilly Gerrard has showed off the stylish nursey for her baby girl. Steven Gerrard’s eldest daughter welcomed Lila Grey into the world earlier this year with partner Lee Byrne. The 21-year-old has since been sharing regular updates from her happy family life on Instagram. She has taken to the social media platform today to share a series of gushing updates as she swooned over her growing family. She shared a snap of Lee with Lila, as she said: “Love youse.” She also showed off the completed nursey that was topped off with a baby blanket from exclusive Parisian brand, Hermès. A look on the Hermès website seems what appears to be the blanket priced at £1,040. READ HERE.
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