'Huge rent rise means we'll have to leave our homes'

PEOPLE living in a famous set of Liverpool streets where Ringo Starr was born say they are being forced out of their much-loved community because of massive rent hikes.

- By LIAM THORP ECHO Political Editor

Residents of the Welsh Streets in Toxteth say their community could be torn apart as people are made to move out because of significant rent increases by landlord Placefirst, in one case more than £300 per month.

The Welsh Streets are one of the few remaining 'original' tourist attractions for fans of The Beatles as they include Ringo's birthplace in Madryn Street.

The streets were also used as a filming location for the Peaky Blinders television show.

They got their name from having been built by Welsh workers in the 1870s.

Rundown and neglected late last century, the community rallied to save the houses before they were regenerated by Placefirst.

For some of those who have made this revamped community their home in recent years, there is now growing anger and concern at the increase in rents.

Many told the ECHO that they are desperate not to move away, but feel they may have no choice.

Placefirst said they are listening to those concerns but said updated rents "reflect an accurate price for our homes in the current market".

Daniel Jennings lives in Wynnstay Street. He and his wife were amongst the first wave of tenants to move back into the area as it was being regenerated.

Their first child was born just two weeks later and their second arrived in the front room of their property.