Protests at an asylum hotel, Merseyside’s ketamine crisis and a huge Hollywood star spotted in Wirral are among the stories we have published today

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Here are five stories published by the Liverpool Echo you may have missed today

1) Asylum hotel protests had ‘significant impact’ on Merseyside Police

A Merseyside Police superintendent said daily protests and tensions over a hotel housing asylum seekers had had a “significant impact for a prolonged period of time” on the force. The protests occurred mainly during the summer of 2025. A report presented to Wirral councillors at a committee meeting on January 22 said there had been an increase in community tensions following the announcement the Kings Gap Hotel in Hoylake would be used to house male asylum seekers. The news led to “a surge in online activity and protests at the location throughout the summer.” In response to this, housing services in the council chaired a weekly forum with the Home Office and Serco. Daily meetings were held with Merseyside Police and the council to address “ongoing tensions and threats and to put activity in place to mitigate against them”. READ HERE.

2) Ketamine crisis in Merseyside with children as young as 12 needing urgent medical care

The continuing crisis of ketamine use is causing untold misery in communities across Merseyside, and resulting in life-altering medical conditions especially among young people. In fact, the latest study into ketamine use in Knowsley, shows the age profile for ketamine-related harm is decreasing, with cases involving long-term health complications rising, and the youngest patient referred being just 12 years old. The study said its evaluation team had gained a “comprehensive understanding” of the issues surrounding ketamine in Knowsley, the extent of the life changing physical and mental health harms that ketamine dependence can cause, and its “hugely concerning impact” on increasing use, especially in young people. READ HERE.

3) City centre queues as people wait for £15 bags

Queues formed this morning outside a new Liverpool discount store. Shoppers were eager to get inside the Savers inside Clayton Square, with around 20 people outside prior to its official opening. People who were first through the door received a £15 goody bag from store manager Rachel Parrott. The store, owned by the same company as Superdrug, sells discount health, beauty, and household items. On the shelves, you will find everything from branded toiletries, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, fragrances, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and baby products. The new store, opening on Thursday, January 22, also brings employment opportunities, creating 10 new jobs in the area. READ HERE.

4) Watchdog confirms council will face no further action after being branded ’embarrassment’

No further action will be taken against Liverpool Council following an issue that left it branded a “national embarrassment.” Last year, the city council was hit with a sanction by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) after recording a less than acceptable response rate to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, some of which were deemed as “lost.” The local authority was hit with an enforcement notice over its performance by the ICO which is the UK’s independent regulator for data protection and information rights. The notice was served in response to the council’s performance on dealing with the number of FOI requests that have not been answered within the required 20 working days and the backlog of requests the council had. The council’s performance led to it being branded a “national embarrassment” by opposition chief Cllr Carl Cashman. The council has now confirmed it has cleared its backlog of 75 cases. READ HERE.

5) Huge Hollywood star spotted filming in Merseyside for new film

A huge star was spotted in Merseyside for an upcoming film. Film crews descended on New Brighton this week for a new comedy film set in Merseyside. Love Actually star Bill Nighy was spotted on set as he admired the view of the city in between takes. The 76-year-old is an award-winning actor known for his work on the stage and screen. Nighy started his career with the Everyman Theatre and has gone on to land a long list of successful film and TV credits. He shot to international fame for his role in the 2003 Christmas classic film Love Actually. He starred as the hilarious Billy Mack which earned him a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor. Some of his other well-known film credits include About Time, Pirates of the Caribbean, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. READ HERE.