Residents of Liverpool’s Welsh Streets, a historic area renowned for its association with The Beatles and the popular television series Peaky Blinders, are expressing deep concerns over steep rent increases that they believe could displace them from their homes. The Welsh Streets, located in Toxteth, are known for being the birthplace of Ringo Starr and were originally built in the 1870s to accommodate workers and their families. In recent years, the area has seen regeneration efforts led by the landlord Placefirst, aiming to rejuvenate the community.
However, many residents, including Daniel Jennings, who has lived on Wynnstay Street since the area’s revival, are now facing significant financial strain due to substantial rent hikes. He reported a 31% increase, translating to £307 more per month, which he indicated could force his family to relocate. "We have great memories here and we really don't want to move," Jennings commented. "We have accepted the reality but we will go down fighting." He added that Placefirst assured tenants that the homes would be suitable for long-term renting, but this promise now seems compromised by the ongoing rent adjustments.
Others, like 37-year-old Steph Synyszyn, who moved to Madryn Street after experiencing a 'no fault' eviction, share similar sentiments. "The marketing from Placefirst was that this would be stress free and I would be able to stay as long as I want," she explained. Synyszyn described the sense of community she experienced upon moving in, noting the helpfulness of her neighbours. However, she voiced concern over her rent having already increased twice during her tenancy.
Mike McKeown, another resident living in Kinmel Street since 2021, highlighted the ongoing anxiety among tenants who work in homelessness services and worry about potential eviction. “This area was advertised as an alternative to social housing. The message was, stay as long as you want and make this place your home,” he said, noting that the reality has differed from the initial assurances provided during their move-in process.
The tenants have been receiving support from the ACORN union, which has been facilitating meetings to discuss residents' concerns regarding rent increases. The union has pointed to disparities in local housing costs, citing that three-bedroom homes in the Welsh Streets are listed at £1,295 a month, contrasting sharply with prices in nearby areas. They are now advocating for a cap on rent increases at the rate of the Consumer Price Index plus one percent, which aligns with practices in the social housing sector.
In response to the residents' grievances, a spokesperson for Placefirst indicated that the company is aware of the concerns raised by ACORN and is committed to ongoing dialogue with tenants. “We are committed to providing high-quality, professionally managed homes built specifically for rent, with a dedicated on-site resident services manager and maintenance team,” the spokesperson stated. They further explained that rental adjustments are made in accordance with market conditions and that all increases are thoroughly evaluated.
As the residents continue to express their discontent and seek resolution, the future of the close-knit community within the historic Welsh Streets remains uncertain.
Source: Noah Wire Services