Liverpool BID Company postpones next weekend’s Celebrating Bold Street following city centre violence and mayhem as council leaders and Liverpool Chamber CEO give their reactions. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool BID Company says next weekend’s Celebrating Bold Street food, drink and music event is being postponed amid the violence and mayhem in the city on Saturday.
Right wing thugs took to the streets of Liverpool city centre on Saturday, terrifying shoppers and day trippers, damaging shops and taking part in violent confrontations with the police. Riots also took place in other UK towns and cities and there was serious disorder in north Liverpool.
On Saturday afternoon Liverpool BID Company took the decision to postpone its Celebrating Castle Street event, due to take place on Sunday. While tensions remain high the BID says Celebrating Bold Street on Sunday, August 11, will also be postponed.
Both events were designed to celebrate the breadth of local businesses in the city centre, blending food, drink, entertainment, culture, family fun and more.
Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, which represents more than 800 levy-paying businesses in Liverpool city centre, said: “Liverpool is a vibrant and diverse city.
“It’s important we say that because we cannot allow violence to undo and undermine the work that has been done to build and regenerate a city.
“The modern Liverpool is the culmination of a lot of work by many different partners. It is the result of vision, investment confidence and hard work.
We have made the decision to postpone Celebrating Bold Street this coming weekend, after we took the decision on Saturday to postpone Celebrating Castle Street. After speaking to our businesses we feel this is the sensible course of action.
“The city centre is a place for everyone to enjoy, but we feel it is prudent as the situation remains unpredictable. At Liverpool BID Company we have always said our work is about making this a city where everyone can thrive, be they resident, business, visitor or tourist.
“The resilience of our city centre businesses in the face of violence and threats cannot be understated.
“Our businesses showed real love and strength in protecting their customers and staff. The truth is they shouldn’t have to show such strength and be so concerned about their staff and customers. This shouldn’t happen.”
Bill added that over the coming days, weeks and months a “frank conversation about what happened on Saturday” is needed. He explained: “Criminal and violent activity on this scale should not be something our city has to tolerate.
“As a voice for and a partner with those who have businesses and organisations within the city centre it is so important to make sure we can communicate quickly and effectively.
READ MORE: Why BIDs are now critical to city centre prosperity
“We will push forward with the city partners, Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council to provide regular and clear communication, ensuring our city can run as openly and safely as possible.
“We have come through difficult times together before. All we know is how to work together, and that is what we will continue to do.”
On Monday the six Liverpool city region council leaders for Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and Halton, and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, put out a joint statement on the crisis.
It read: “We are profoundly appalled and deeply saddened by the recent acts of serious violence and chaos that have marred our beloved region. These actions are not expressions of protest, but deliberate attempts to spread fear and misery within the communities we serve – places where our residents live, work, and learn.
“As political leaders, we want to assure each and every one of you that such behaviour will not be tolerated. We are committed to restoring peace and safety in our communities.
“Our heartfelt thanks go out to our council staff, police officers, firefighters, NHS staff, community volunteers, faith sectors, and business leaders.
“Many of you reside in our region, standing by our side as neighbours, and have safeguarded us through these deeply troubling times. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed.
“Lastly, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our residents who have displayed compassion, courage, and steadfast resilience.
“Please know that we stand with you, and we are here for you, now and always.”
Paul Cherpeau, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, told LBN: “The disruption caused by the civic disorder is deplorable and creates fear and anxiety to all affected by such actions.
“The violent and criminal acts have a direct and indirect impact upon the businesses within our city centre and our wider communities.
“Owners, staff and customers are all affected. Restoring calm and punishing those responsible for their reprehensible behaviour is an important step to preventing any further escalation of disruption.”