Reprieve for Ringo's childhood home
Ex-Beatles childhood home reprieved from bulldozer Jun 25 2005 Daily Post RINGO Starr's childhood home has been given a stay of execution after a decision to demolish hundreds of properties was put on hold in the face of public opposition. Liverpool councillors were yesterday expected to approve plans to create two new neighbourhood renewal zones in the Princes Park area of Toxteth and Picton area of Wavertree but chose to delay the proposals so more residents' concerns could be considered. The controversial scheme would see almost 1,000 homes bulldozed over the next 10 years to make way for new housing, while many others would be refurbished as part of the £470m New Heartlands redevelopment project. Campaigners welcomed the decision. A spokeswoman for the Welsh Streets Home Group said: "We are delighted to have just a little more time to try and reach a compromise solution which benefits more people, heritage assets and the environment." The group argues there is a shortage of affordable housing in the area. Sidney Green, a resident in the Welsh streets area, said: "I am relieved my home might still be safe and I am not faced with a compulsory purchase order for the time being." The area earmarked for demolition includes former Beatle drummer Ringo Starr's childhood home in Madryn Street, Toxteth - one of 470 homes in Princes Park and 520 off Smithdown Road. Council leader Mike Storey said: "Much of this is being forced upon us by central government and we do not want to be steam-rollered into a decision before we understand what people want." A council spokesman said the scheme was put on hold partly because cllr Flo Clucas, executive member for housing for the city council, was at an Objective 1 funding meeting in Brussels. 

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