Church Street in Liverpool city centre has been described as an 'eyesore' by shoppers and workers, despite being the UK's second busiest shopping street. Thousands visit weekly to shop at names such as Primark, Next and River Island, but dirty benches, litter and broken flagpoles have marred the experience.
Mike Kendrick, 61, told the Liverpool Echo that the street's condition lags behind European counterparts. 'What I don't understand is that Liverpool's a phenomenal, world-renowned city... but when you go to other cities, they're basically spotless. There is a big issue with litter here,' he said.
Jan Weeks, 75, highlighted the lack of seating for elderly visitors. 'When elderly people come into town, they can't walk the whole length of the road sometimes. Therefore, you need a bench for the elderly? I just think every year you see it go a little worse,' she said.
Former fruit and veg stallholder Michelle Wright, 44, said the street has changed beyond recognition and that stalls removed years ago actually improved the area. 'It's a bit of an eyesore now... Considering it's summer, and we've got a lot of tourists visiting, it just feels like they should put a bit more effort in.'
Sister Josette, 78, who works at The Pauline Book Centre, argued that the public must take responsibility. 'If everybody does their duty and put things in the bin, then everything would be cleaner,' she said.
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson responded: 'We are investing more than £7.5m over the next two years in frontline environmental services... we have recruited an additional 26 barrow walkers and are recruiting a further 12 staff to strengthen our street washing team.'
