Ex-Mayor criticizes Liverpool Council over African Caribbean Centre

The former Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, has criticized the city council for its plans regarding an African Caribbean centre in L8. She claims their actions may endanger vulnerable communities. Anderson made this statement ahead of a decision about relocating the centre to make way for a new secondary school. In a letter to the current council leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, Anderson expressed concern that the council is prioritizing developers over community needs. She believes moving the centre, which has been in place for nearly 50 years, fails to acknowledge its importance. Anderson also accused Cllr Nick Small of undermining community interests. More than 5,500 people have signed a petition to keep the centre in its current location. The city council’s cabinet will soon decide the centre's fate, after a committee suggested reconsidering the plan. In her letter, Anderson pointed out that there are other possible locations for the school. She warned that the proposed relocation could increase tensions in the community, which already faces divisions. She emphasized that this decision could reopen past conflicts. Anderson criticized the council for ignoring community concerns, especially after the riots last summer when people banded together. She believes the council is neglecting local needs while favoring developers. Cllr Robinson responded to Anderson’s letter, acknowledging the challenges of site selection for the new school. He stated that the council is committed to supporting both the school and the African Caribbean Centre. He also defended Cllr Small, stating that decisions were made collectively by the cabinet.