THE terraced house where Beatle drummer Ringo Starr was born has been saved from demolition – for the time being.
At the 11th hour the Government stepped in to block plans by Liverpool City Council.
The modest house, at 9 Madryn Street, is one of 200 terraced homes earmarked for demolition in the Welsh Streets of the Dingle area of Liverpool.
Beatles fans had waged a campaign to save the slice of history – but their pleas had fallen on deaf ears.
Now Housing Minister Grant Shapps has acted to stop the bulldozers.
He sent an email and letter to the city’s planning committee before it was due to meet on Tuesday.
In it he said there must be consideration as to whether an “environmental impact assessment” is required – a move that could delay a final decision for at least a year.
Philip Coppell, chairman of the Save Madryn Street campaign, said: “The councillors who voted for demolition are nothing short of civic vandals.
“No 9 Madryn Street is irreplaceable. It’s a precious piece of Beatles history and of vital importance to the city and its growing tourism industry.
“Thank God the Government has stopped the mindless town hall wreckers.”
Labour councillor Alan Dean said the intervention meant residents would be trapped in sub-standard homes instead of the new ones he hoped would be built.
Welsh Streets resident Mary Mantle said: “These houses are riddled with damp and have no foundations. The area is blighted.”
Ringo, 70, was born Richard Starkey in the house in July 1940.
The childhood homes of John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney are popular attractions in the city run by the National Trust.
Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/241969/Ringo-s-house-wins-reprieve-from-the-bulldozersRingo-s-house-wins-reprieve-from-the-bulldozers#ixzz1KAEtcdAK
