Remarkable transformation of properties that were tinned up by city council
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This property in Geraint Street in Toxteth was tinned up in 2024 before being transformed
This property in Geraint Street in Toxteth was tinned up in 2024 before being transformed
Two Liverpool properties which were tinned up after being linked to anti-social behaviour and organised crime have been transformed. Over the last two years, Liverpool City Council’s Private Sector Housing team have worked in partnership with Merseyside Police to tackle organised crime within rental properties across Liverpool Under the council’s Landlord Licensing scheme, the owners of privately rented properties have a duty to ensure that their tenants behave responsibly.
Houses on Goldie Street in Anfield, and Geraint Street in Toxteth were closed in August 2022 and April 2024. The action was taken due to drug related issues associated with the properties. The council team was able to help the landlords in evicting the 'highly problematic tenants.'
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The properties were then refurbished to a high standard and they were subsequently let out to new tenants in the hope of preventing a repeat of the problems that had previously occurred.
Over the last month, the Private Sector Housing team have revisited both properties to carry out compliance inspections, finding both to be a safe standard and the tenants enjoying living in them.
One resident in Geraint Street told council officers that anti-social behaviour used to severely impact her wellbeing but now describes life on the street as “heavenly”.
This property in Geraint Street in Toxteth was transformed
This property in Geraint Street in Toxteth was transformed
On Goldie Street, a local resident noted that what was once a troubled street is now “family-orientated” adding: “It’s nice to have a family living there and the children are back playing out in the street.”
Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and community safety, said: “All of our residents have a right to live in thriving communities where they feel safe and secure, but sadly we know that some don’t.
“The work that has been under taken on these streets in Anfield and Toxteth has made a positive difference to the lives of local people. It is a clear demonstration of the positive benefits of our Landlord Licensing scheme in bringing partners together to support landlords to evict difficult tenants.”
This house in Goldie Street in Anfield was closed down in 2022
This house in Goldie Street in Anfield was closed down in 2022
Anfield councillor, Billy Marrat, who referred the issue to the Private Sector Housing Team, said: “The house has been turned around and so has the street, with residents stating they are free to go about their ways and not in fear of being intimidated by drug and crack addicts.
“The residents can actually invite their friends and relatives around now, just as any other family would. I am really grateful to all the agencies involved and it shows what can be done with a bit of intelligence and the right actions taken.”
Chief Inspector Sarah Rotherham from Merseyside Police, said: “The successful closures send a clear message that we will not tolerate properties to become hubs for crime and antisocial behaviour.
This property in Goldie Street in Anfield has been revamped
This property in Goldie Street in Anfield has been revamped
“By working closely with our local authority partners through the landlord licensing scheme, we are ensuring that problem premises are shut down, and our communities remain safe places to live.”