TODAY I left the green pastures of West Lancashire for a meeting in Liverpool.
Having been dragged there many times (usually by my wife who has the sole intention of blowing my wages within 60 minutes of parking at St John's), I wasn't really going there with anything in mind.
However, I arrived a little early so to kill time I decided to take a walk round. I went via the Pier Head to some of the backstreets that don't tend to be frequented by other than those who are on business or work in the city.
And what a fascinating walk it was too. Loads of building work taking place, massive regeneration and some fantastic old buildings. I can see now why it got its Capital of Culture win.
It made me realise there's so much more to Liverpool than Anfield, Goodison etc..
Everytime I go I tend to drive through the depressingly poor areas but going on the train brought a whole new perspective to the place. It's got a real self-confidence nowadays and the streets were full of young professionals, sharp-suits and jazzy mobile phones (usually glued to the owner's ear).
I have to say too that I didn't realise how red-blooded Scouse blokes are. Nearly every man I saw in the street was 'checking out the talent'- or but more plainly, ogling. I've been to many cities but for some reason Liverpool blokes top the list for this sort of thing. Must be something in the water...
However, I was very impressed by the place - it's coming on leaps and bounds. But more crucially, I really hope this new-found prosperity filters through to the more poorer parts quickly.
The likes of Toxteth and Kensington are some of the most deprived places in Britain.
It's always been London's failing that for all the billions earned in the City, just a few miles away some families don't have enough to put money in the electric meter.
At this early point in its rebirth, Liverpool has a golden opportunity to ensure it doesn't become a London of the north - a place where for every 'have', there are probably 3 or 4 'have-nots'.
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John Roberts wrote...
There is nothing wrong with Toxteth Everton and Kensington that couldnt be put right by kicking out the housing associations and Council who have their own agenda for keeping the area and people down to carry on milking the grants and funding to keep themselves in jobs.
Posted by: John Roberts | July 28, 2007 10:55 AM