Shapps saves Ringo’s house with a little help from his friends

 

Housing minister Grant Shapps has called for a temporary reprieve to the demolition of Ringo Starr’s birthplace to determine whether it should be considered a culturally important building.

 

Shapps has written to Liverpool City Council asking them to halt the planned demolition to give the local community and other interested organisations an opportunity to put forward alternative viable preservation options.

 

Ringo Starr’s former home is one of a number of properties due to be demolished in the Welsh Streets neighbourhood of Liverpool as part of a wider regeneration programme by the council.

 

A special meeting of Liverpool council’s planning committee is expected to take place this month where the demolition of Ringo Starr’s former home and other houses will be considered.

 

Shapps said: “Any regeneration project will generate strong feelings. But when what many people consider to be a culturally important building – such as the birthplace of the drummer of the world’s most famous band – is at risk then feelings are going to be even stronger.

 

“That’s why before a single bulldozer rumbles along Madryn Street I want to ensure that every option has been considered.

 

“It’s right that the people of Liverpool themselves decide whether they want Ringo Starr’s house to be demolished or to ‘Let It Be’.”

 

Nick.whitten@estatesgazette.com

 

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