Lib Dems fight to secure protections for African Caribbean Centre
Despite a Labour amendment, the Lib Dems have secured additional protection for Liverpool 8’s African Caribbean Centre for now and into the future.
The Liverpool Liberal Democrat Group put forward their motion on the African Caribbean Centre ahead of last week’s announcement that the Department for Education has accepted plans for a new school operated by the Star Academies trust.
The new proposals protect the existing centre as well as the basketball courts. This was a key issue for the campaigners trying to protect the centre. There was a fear that the new school would end up displacing the centre off the site – but this has been avoided.
Labour chose to drastically amend the motion, removing a number of key points the Lib Dems raised - this included holding a public meeting in Liverpool 8.
Cllr Carl Cashman, Leader of the Liverpool Liberal Democrats, said:
“The news that the African Caribbean Centre is here to stay is amazing, positive news for the community in Liverpool 8. It’s been great listening to so many people talk about how much the centre means to them and their community. I’m glad that it’s been protected – this is a huge win for the community and everyone involved in the campaign to protect it.
“I’m disappointed that Labour have rejected our request for a public meeting. It was really important that the council went back to the community to set out the facts and end any misinformation, as well as listening to the residents.
“What has been disappointing throughout this whole process has been the lack of transparency from the Council. Members received a briefing last Friday, the day after the information was published on the Council’s Liverpool Express webpage. Lessons need to be learnt – members should be kept informed.
“As an opposition group, the Lib Dems will watch the progress of this project carefully to make sure the promises made are not broken and that Liverpool’s African Caribbean Centre is protected for current and future generations.”