Liverpool Open For Business
Liverpool city centre is “open for business” this weekend – as the police pledged an increased presence to reassure all those coming to town, whether day or night.
Assistant Chief Constable Colin Matthews said visitors should carry on with normal life and not stay away because of fears the riots of earlier this week could return.
Police also confirmed that Liverpool FC’s opening game of the Premier League will go ahead as planned tomorrow).
Everton’s opener away at Tottenham in London, however, was cancelled.
Police said they were keen to reassure people the city centre was open for business, after residents voiced their concerns on social network Twitter that there could be trouble in the city centre.
Liverpool One will close at 7pm tonight and tomorrow, but it will return to normal opening hours next week.
Frank McKenna, of lobby group Downtown Liverpool in Business, warned that confidence had been shaken and it could take some time to restore.
Today, Liverpool’s Lord Mayor Cllr Frank Prendergast will hold a civic reception for some of the local heroes who cleaned-up the city’s streets following the disturbances earlier this week.
Charles Jupiter, 21, who set up a Facebook group called Liverpool Clean Up within hours of the first night of trouble, and his friends, will be thanked for their efforts.
ACC Matthews said: “Merseyside Police understands that some people may have concerns about coming into the city after seeing reports of disorder earlier in the week on regional and national television.
“I would like to reassure people that the force has taken strong and robust action to deal with the minority of people who have been involved in disorder on our streets.
“A number of arrests have already been made and over the coming days there will be an increased police presence to deal with any incidents, if they should arise.
“I would urge people to carry on with their daily business and not to change their plans. The increased police presence in the city centre on Friday and Saturday night will ensure that visitors can enjoy their visit to the city.”
Karl Barry, a licensing consultant who represents a number of city centre bars, said he endorsed the police approach.
“People should come and enjoy the city centre, by and large it is a very safe place.
“I don’t think we will see a repeat of what we have seen in the last few days.
“There is no reason for people not to come to the city centre. Merseyside Police have marshalled their forces and people should have faith in them.”
Mr McKenna said he visited businesses in Bold Street yesterday who had noticed a drop in business.
“It is the summer holidays and it is usually lively,” he said.
“It’s going to take some considerable time for confidence to be restored to the city centre. “Anything the police can do to restore confidence is a good thing.”
Liverpool council deputy leader Paul Brant said: “The city centre is returning to the normal welcoming place it is to visit, work and shop in.
“No one should be afraid to come into the city centre. Liverpool has one of the safest city centres in the country.”
He also called for landlords to consider seeking eviction of any tenants who were found guilty of taking part in the riots.
Cllr Brant, who is the chairman of one of the city’s biggest landlords, Riverside Housing, said: “They have to face up to the consequences of their actions, which could include losing their homes.”
Chris Bliss, estate director at Liverpool One, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming plenty of customers over the weekend, whether they’re shopping, dining, going to the cinema or simply enjoying a cocktail.”
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