Residents living near a disused Liverpool university campus say they are scared to challenge "clever little horrors" who are putting themselves and others at risk. The IM Marsh campus on Barkhill Road, on the border of Mossley Hill and Aigburth, formerly housed Liverpool John Moores University's (LJMU) School of Education, Leisure and Sport Studies, as well as the School of Teacher Education and Professional Learning. It contains two grade II listed buildings, Holmefield House and Bark Hill.
The campus closed in 2021, and its future has been debated since. Last April, the university announced plans to sell the site as a "development opportunity", scrapping earlier plans to retain it. Vegetation has since engulfed parts of the buildings.
Ongoing anti-social behaviour despite security
In recent months, neighbours have told the ECHO they see gangs of youths, often wearing balaclavas, jumping over walls, scaling roofs, smashing windows and throwing objects at passing cars. In July, LJMU said it had "significantly" enhanced security with daily dog patrols, CCTV cameras and motion detectors that "trigger a rapid response" from its security contractor.
However, the ECHO has been told this week that anti-social behaviour (ASB) has continued. Dave Thomas, chairman of the Mossley Hill Residents' Association, and Rob McAllister-Bell, Mossley Hill Liberal Democrat councillor, said the increased security has resulted in guards observing issues and calling police rather than intervening directly. At a meeting with the university earlier this month, they claim the security firm described those breaking in as "urban explorers or warriors" who were "just playing football".
Both also claim they were told at the meeting that the site has been bought by social housing provider Torus. LJMU has not addressed this claim, saying only that it maintains a high security presence and remains in touch with residents. The ECHO has approached Torus for comment.
67 reports over a weekend
Cllr McAllister-Bell said he received 67 reports of incidents over the last Bank Holiday weekend, ranging from people walking around the site to smashing windows and throwing fire extinguishers onto the road. He said: "Some walk through it, some play football, some are urban explorers. Our point, regardless of the reason why, is that there's 24 hour security."
He added: "Regardless of why they are entering the site, the buildings are quite dangerous. They're old. They're walking along ledges, windows have been broken. Someone could fall. There is a danger that people could damage or set alight a listed building and that's a concern."
Dave agreed, saying: "Urban warriors were discussed. I thought to myself, it doesn't matter who's going on there, nobody should be going on there. Kids, urban warriors, whoever they are, nobody should be on that site." He noted that youths have told security guards with dogs: "if you let that dog bite me, I'll sue you", adding: "they're clever little horrors".
Cllr McAllister-Bell said many residents have given up calling police and fear repercussions if they challenge the youths. He said: "A lot of residents who live facing this campus think that, by raising their head above the line, they could then be targeted themselves. This may be a fear not based on any facts." He added that some residents have challenged youths and received abuse, while others have seen them leave.
Future of the site
Both Dave and Cllr McAllister-Bell would like at least part of the site retained as a community sports centre, but believe a full-scale housing development from Torus or someone else is more likely. They point to new housing developments in the area, including at the old Carnatic Halls, a former University of Liverpool campus nearby.
Dave predicts that if building starts, "it's going to be an absolute nightmare" with traffic. Cllr McAllister-Bell said residents have concerns about the site's future, including whether their parking scheme will remain. He said IM Marsh was a sports facility well used by residents and its loss is felt across the city. He acknowledged the need for affordable housing but said residents are concerned about the number of houses "piling and piling up".
Police and university response
The ECHO made Merseyside Police aware of the latest claims. In July, Neighbourhood Inspector Laura Chandler confirmed the force was aware of increased ASB reports at the site and appealed for witnesses to come forward. The public is urged to call 999 if a crime is in progress and to pass information to police via @MerPolCC on X or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook.
A spokesperson for LJMU said: "The university maintains a high security presence around the IM Marsh site and has worked in collaboration with Merseyside Police and local residents to respond to reports of antisocial behaviour. We are grateful to the local community for their continued vigilance and met recently with representatives to discuss their concerns as part of our ongoing dialogue."
