§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what stage has been reached in his consideration of the compulsory purchase orders on properties in Ranelagh Street, Cases Street, Church Street, Parker Street, Clayton Square, Elliot Street and Charlotte Street initiated by the Liverpool city council following an agreement made by the city council and Wimpey Property Holding Developers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heseltine[pursuant to his reply, 6 April, c. 321]: In January this year Liverpool city council made a compulsory purchase order on the land still required for a proposed redevelopment to provide a shopping and entertainments complex in this area. The council recently submitted it to me for confirmation, and it is at present under consideration by my Department. A large number of objections have been received, and before coming to a decision on confirmation I expect to order a public local inquiry to be held. I cannot, therefore, at this stage comment on the merits of the order.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much partnership money has been spent on the rehabilitation of premises in Ranelagh Street and Church Street, Liverpool, and their environs; for what purposes; and when it was spent.
§ Mr. Heseltine[pursuant to his reply, 6 April, c. 321]: In the Ranelagh Street-Church Street areas of Liverpool 10 projects totalling £115,000 have been funded through the Liverpool partnership in 1980–81 and 1981–82 to improve visual amenity. However, only one of these projects, for the improvement of the frontages of a number of shops at the junction of Church Street and Ranelagh Street, is within the area affected by the current Clayton Square redevelopment scheme and the related compulsory purchase order. The cost to the urban programme of works to these properties was £2,500.