Ringo's home saved from wrecking ball
Ringo Starr's childhood home could be spared from demolition after a decision to consider more residents' views about plans to clear hundreds of homes in Liverpool, it has emerged.
The move comes as the housing minister, Yvetter Cooper, revealed to SocietyGuardian.co.uk that the government itself wants to review the number of homes being knocked down under its controversial housing market renewal programme to tackle rundown areas in the north of England and Midlands.
As part of that programme, Liverpool city council had been expected to approve the government-backed clearance of 470 homes in the Toxteth area, including the ex-Beatle's former home at 9 Madryn Street.
But at a meeting on Friday, the council decided it wanted to carry out more consultation on the plan.
The deferral of decision was welcomed by residents, whose criticisms of the original plans have been backed by Starr.
Speaking to the Liverpool Daily Post, the council's Liberal Democrat leader, Mike Storey, said: "Much of this is being forced upon us by central government and we do not want to be steam-rollered into a decision before we understand what people want."
Under the housing market renewal programme, nine pathfinder areas, including Merseyside, have been earmarked a share of