Green light for more environmental improvements in Anfield

WHILE the eyes of the world will be on Anfield's lush football turf, more green shoots of progress are being made in the neighbourhood's housing regeneration programme.

Liverpool City Council has approved the next phases of the Anfield project, clearing the way for new environmental spaces, as well giving the green light for more new homes and housing refurbishments.

Project partner Your Housing Group recently completed the 1st phase in a ₤2 million outdoor improvement programme, including:- tree lined pedestrian areas, private side gardens and secure compounds for communal waste bins, providing a facility never previously available for residents of homes with restricted-space alleyways.

Now, following cabinet approval, the housing provider will deliver more environmental works following the demolition of a number of derelict properties along Blessington Road and will work up designs for more than 20 homes along Breckfield North Road/Robson Street.

The Anfield Regeneration Project is a partnership between Liverpool City Council, Your Housing Group, Liverpool Football Club and Keepmoat Homes. With an estimated investment of ₤255m, more than 600 new and 600 refurbished homes have already been delivered.

With Keepmoat's planning application for a further 86 homes, and Your Housing Group proposing more homes to complete the so-called:- 'Anfield Village' area, another 150 new and remodelled homes are projected to be added to the neighbourhood.

Councillor Ann O'Byrne, Deputy Mayor of Liverpool, said:- "Anfield is undergoing a phenomenal regeneration and 1 that will benefit families for generations to come. It's a team effort much like the football team, with everyone working together. The eyes of the world are often on what takes place inside the stadium but the wider area is blossoming into an attractive community, 1 that residents can be proud to call home."

Dave Litherland, Head of Regeneration for Your Housing Group, said the cabinet's approval meant the regeneration of the area could progress into its final phases. He said:- "Most of our work has been in bringing homes back into use, including converting 2 homes into 1 and rebuilding existing homes that give the area its character. The street improvements are really the icing on the cake and underline the improvements we've made. The cabinet decision is great news. We can now move straight into the next phase of our environmental works and push on with our plans to deliver more new and remodelled homes for Anfield. There is now strong demand for homes in Anfield."

Within the wider regeneration project the housing works are providing much needed homes for local residents and are helping to build a better community. The work seeks to use local labour, local supply chains and supports apprenticeships wherever possible.

The Anfield Project has seen the transformation of Stanley Park, a new high street and huge improvements to Liverpool FC's stadium, expanding the ground capacity from 45,000 seats to 54,000.

A new Hotel and commercial area along Walton Breck Road are also planned. The commercial campaign is supported by Hemingway Design, founded by famous fashion designer Wayne Hemingway, whose new brand celebrates the unique opportunities Anfield offers for businesses.

Chicks cruelly dumped on a Liverpool street at just 3 weeks old

THE RSPCA are reminding people of the importance of fully considering if they should take on pets after 3 young chickens were abandoned, on a doorstep, in Liverpool. The chickens were discovered by residents of Roxburgh Street, Liverpool, who opened their door to find the baby birds roaming free on the alley, outside, on Sunday, 22 April 2018.  RSPCA animal collection officer Heather Cook was called out to collect the birds, who thankfully were not suffering any ill health.

ACO Cook said:- “Sadly, it's common for us to be called about abandoned chickens. We are often called to collect male chickens as they don't produce eggs and can be very noisy and are often unwanted, because they are difficult to sell or rehome. For the same reasons, some people resort to abandoning them. It's so important that you fully consider the implications of taking on any pets and farm animals, like any animals kept as pets, really do require lots of care and consideration, not to mention time, knowledge and the right facilities. It's just really sad to think these sweet little chickens were unwanted and somebody thought it was appropriate to leave them on somebody else's property, and just abandon their responsibility. You can visit the RSPCA website for more information on the specifics of keeping chickens as pets and I really urge anyone considering keeping chickens to do so. Like any other animal, they really shouldn't be a pet that is taken on without careful consideration.”

Thankfully, ACO Cook was able to take the chickens to a chicken specialist nearby who will be able to rear them properly and give them all the care they need. She added:- “For anyone who is certain they can provide a suitable home for poultry, we have a number of chickens, ducks and cockerels who have also been abandoned or rescued, and are looking for new homes. You can find out more by visiting our Find A Pet search on our website.”

Anybody with information about who may have been responsible for abandoning the chicks can contact the RSPCA by calling the inspector's appeal line on:- 0300 123 8018.  To help the RSPCA continue rescuing animals please donate by visiting:- RSPCA.Org.UK.