Lib Dem Leader says “It’s time to end Litterpool”

Liberal Democrat Leader Councillor Carl Cashman launched a scathing attack on Labour run Liverpool City Council by saying that they're “failing to get the basics right”.

This comes after growing concerns from residents and recent news stories about the state of the public realm. Across the city there are mounting complaints about weeds, litter, dog muck and fly-tipping.

In the spirit of back-to-school photos, Cllr Carl Cashman has been pictured next to a nearly five-foot tall weed in Wavertree with the caption “Weeds these days, they grow up so fast.” This is just one of countless examples of the poor state of the public realm across Liverpool.

The Lib Dems are putting cleaning up the city at the top of the agenda because they are getting feedback that residents are fed up with the council’s neglect. They’re clear that the Labour administration isn’t doing enough on enforcement on fly-tipping, littering and dog fouling and is why Liverpool’s streets aren’t getting cleared.

Councillor Cashman said, “We are hearing it from all corners of the city. The Council aren't doing their job and keeping our streets clean. This is the absolute bare minimum that people expect when paying such a high Council Tax.

“Labour have allowed our city to be infested by weeds, rats, and litter. The no mow policy also adding to the unsightly scenes across Liverpool.”

The Labour Leader’s motion at this months’ full council meeting was branded as “undeserved pat on the back” by a former Council Leader after the Labour praised their work on enforcement. The Lib Dems are set to challenge the ruling Labour Group by amending the motion enforcement to “drag them back to reality”.

Former Council Leader Councillor Lord Mike Storey said, “It’s almost unthinkable for Labour congratulate their enforcement in their motion – they might as well give themselves a Blue Peter badge just for turning up. Tourists and visitors coming to Liverpool to learn about our fascinating history and experience our amazing cultural offer but they’re shocked at how dirty and uncared for the really city is.

“In the year 2021/2022, they only issued one fixed penalty notice to fly-tippers and since last October it’s 32 and they believe that is worthy of praise. It’s a slap in the face for the people of this city who have to navigate a slalom of weeds, dog muck and rubbish day in day out.”