Category: Liverpool

Liverpool council said an inspector has confirmed all the equipment in the play area is safe21:13, 15 May 2026Updated 21:13, 15 May 2026Swings at Everton Terrace playground(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)It’s been claimed a swing snapped as a child played on it at a new children’s play park. Parents raised concerns over a new Liverpool City Council play area on Everton Terrace after the incident which reportedly happened last weekend.The playground opened in Everton on Saturday, May 9 following an upgrade as part of the council’s programme to refresh a number of playgrounds across the city. Following Saturday’s opening, it was claimed a swing at the park had “snapped” while a young child was on it.It was also claimed a young girl suffered facial injuries, while a boy was reportedly injured following an incident with a rope swing. Parents have claimed the park was “poorly built” and are worried about their children’s safety.A spokesperson for the council said an inspector has confirmed all the equipment in the Everton Terrace play area is safe to use.One mum visiting the park with her children at the time of the incident said: “The swing snapped off with a baby inside. The baby was really hurt. A little boy got took out by the rope swings and smacked into a rock. A little girl smashed her nose off the bar.”The newly upgraded Everton Terrace playground(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)The Liverpool Echo attended the playground this morning, Friday, May 15 and there was no signs of damage.A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “All of our play areas are independently assessed and must pass rigorous health and safety checks before they are opened to the public. This includes stress testing all equipment.“Any reported incidents are taken extremely seriously. We have reached out via social media to understand what happened in this instance.“A play inspector has confirmed that all the equipment in Everton Terrace play area is safe to use.”Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter.Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here. Follow us on X @LivECHONews or on Bluesky @liverpoolecho.co.uk – official Liverpool ECHO accounts – real news in real time.We’re also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho – your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.Join the Liverpool ECHO Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community to receive the latest news straight to your phone by clicking here.

May 15th 

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The summer transfer window is approaching quickly on the horizon and clubs are already busy working on deals to acquire their top targets. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer stories

Arsenal are the latest club to express an interest in Mateus Fernandes. The 21-year-old has been a standout performer for West Ham this season but he will realistically be available if the Hammers are relegated. Manchester United and PSG have also been linked.

Manchester Untied are monitoring Neco Williams at Nottingham Forest. The Welsh international’s versatility is a major asset and he’s equally comfortable at left or right-back.

Chelsea remain interested in Mike Maignan this summer but failing to qualify for European competition would scupper their hopes of signing the French international. The AC Milan goalkeeper was heavily linked last summer but penned a new contract.

Lucien Jack wants to remind people “there is a human being” underneath the glitz and glamLucien Jack claims he experienced homophobia in Liverpool city centreA man has claimed he was called “a nonce” among other homophobic slurs as he finished his shift in Liverpool city centre. Lucien Jack, originally from North Hampshire, said within minutes of leaving nightclub Dysco on Saturday night, he was targeted on Stanley Street.The 37-year-old, who now lives in the city’s business district, said he was vlogging, as he does every week, for his YouTube channel when the incident happened on May 9. At the time, Lucien was dressed as his drag persona, Teena, and was promoting two events he his hosting this week.When the ECHO met with Lucien, he said he wanted to be photographed and interviewed as himself, as opposed to Teena. He said this was to highlight that “there is a human being” underneath the glitz and glam of a drag persona.He told the ECHO: “Every week I do a vlog called Teena Talks, and I always try to create different content – whether I’m touring or at home. Because I had shows coming up, I decided to go around Liverpool to promote them.“I have a drag character, and her personality can be quite confrontational in a playful way. The joke is always on me, and I never set out to make anyone feel uncomfortable, it’s part of the act and part of the fun. I perform across Liverpool in lots of different venues – bars, private events, and restaurants. This time, I just had finished on Stanley Street and left the venue.Lucien was dressed as their drag persona when they were targeted in the city centre “Within seconds of leaving, and starting filming in the Pride Quarter, someone shouted ‘yuck’ at me and pointed. It immediately felt like this wasn’t going to be an easy start. Someone called me a nonce and someone else shouted transphobic slurs.“I’m in the Pride Quarter, where I perform regularly, so I should feel safe there. But quite quickly, things escalated. I heard derogatory comments, including slurs and being called offensive names. It was relentless, and it made me feel quite unsafe in that moment.“I have dyspraxia and I am neurodivergent so I tend to be able to focus on what is happening in front of me. I didn’t even realise everything that was being shouted at me until I watched the footage back later while editing.“A man also came up to me and asked, ‘Are you a man?’ in a confrontational way. That moment made me feel scared. It all happened very quickly, with more comments from people around him.”Lucien said the homophobia had “nothing to do” with the venues on Stanley Street, nor did he report the incident as he said it is something he has become used to as a drag queen.Lucien said he is determined not to be deterred by the incidentHe added: “You are always going to get prejudice. I can go home and take my drag off but there are others out there who can’t. There are trans people who will be perceived in a certain light by these people. It’s quite scary how people feel they can be openly rude.”Lucien also claimed this was only part of the abuse he received that day in drag. He said earlier on, while still promoting his shows, teenagers kept “making noises” at him.He added: “It wasn’t the main issue of the day, but it made for a difficult start. I can deal with things like that – it’s just kids. But I was more conscious that I was being filmed, and I was concerned about the person filming me at the time.”Despite what happened, Lucien said he is still going ahead with his events. The first being Queerovision on Friday, May 15 at Navy Bar 2.0 and a Eurovision viewing party on Saturday, May 16 at Hot Water Comedy Club.He said: “I’ve lived here for a year and it’s such a welcoming city. I love it, but it does show the current times we are in and where we are headed. People should be able to live their lives how they want to without the relentless attacks.”If, for any reason, you do not wish to report a hate crime to the police, the independent charity Stop Hate UK runs a 24/7 confidential helpline for all victims of hate crime on 0800 138 1625 or www.stophateuk.org. You can also download the Stop Hate UK reporting app on Google Play or the Apple App Store. You can also report hate crime via:

Exhiibtion also includes the first photograph of John, Paul and George performing togetherThe special exhibition, at Hamburg’s City Hall, features a rare set of Beatles photographs and letters(Image: Liverpool City Region)A trove of rare early Beatles photographs and letters written by the five original members while in Hamburg is on display in a new exhibition exploring the city’s role in launching the band’s global fame. The special exhibition, titled Harbour Cities-Global Stages has been created to celebrate Liverpool City Region’s role as the official partner of Hamburg’s annual port festival – Hafengebustag. The free exhibition opened on May 7 at Hamburg’s City Hall, the Rathaus Rathausdiele and is on display until May 25.It features historic elements such as the only Lennon and McCartney letter in existence, the first photograph of John, Paul, and George performing together, a photo of their first gig in Hamburg, as well as an insight into how they had started to feel like stars and how they secured their first recording contract.The unveiling of the exhibition comes just a month short of the 60th anniversary of The Beatles final concert in Europe – which was also in Hamburg, on June 26, 1966, at the Ernst Merck Halle.A main feature of the exhibition is an in-depth look at the origin story of The Beatles and how Hamburg shaped their sound and look from 1960-62, which helped to lay the foundations for their global superstardom.Letters to Mike McCartney, Paul McCartney’s brother(Image: Liverpool City Region)Letters donated by The Cavern, Mike McCartney and the Liverpool Beatles Museum reveal the thoughts of John, Paul and George at this influential stage in their career, as well as those of Stuart and original drummer Pete Best, who was hired specifically for their first visit to Hamburg which had been organised by the band’s first manager Alan Williams.The unique set of letters, which are also accompanied by rare photographs of the band from that time, including their first night in Hamburg in August 1960, charts their rise from a fledgling skiffle group to a rock’n’roll outfit that famously performed up to eight hours a night in numerous venues along the Reeperbahn in Hamburg’s red-light district.Some pivotal moments for the band are captured in detail, such as George’s letter to Cavern DJ, Bob Wooler in June 1961, where he explains how the band were signed up for their first record contract. The resulting single, My Bonnie, would eventually catch the attention of Brian Epstein, whose curiosity would lead him to The Cavern and becoming their manager.Stuart’s letter is written several months after he left the band to pursue an arts course in Hamburg. In a letter to Mike McCartney, sent in February 1962, he talks of feeling unwell but ends on a positive note about his plans to make a surprise return to Liverpool to visit his sister and family. Tragically, the visit never materialised as 21-year-old Stuart died just seven weeks later of a brain haemorrhage in the arms of his fiancée, Astrid, in their Hamburg flat.Pete Best’s letter to his mum, in April 1962, was sent just days after Stuart’s death, but without the band knowing. Instead, Pete regales how he, John and Paul had felt like stars boarding their plane having been interviewed by a member of the press about their recent success of being voted Liverpool’s number one band.George Harrison’s letter for Bob Wooler in June 1961(Image: Liverpool City Region)This third visit to Hamburg, in which Pete talks about their hotel and the new venue they will be opening, The Star Club, is a far cry from their first visit in August 1960, when they had driven by van for several days and had to sleep in the back room of a cinema.For Pete, the Hamburg trip was his final one with the band. Only a few weeks after returning to England, and before their first EMI recording session with George Martin in June, Brian Epstein would sack him.Also included in the exhibition is a letter from Paul to his brother Mike, which is unique because it contains a message from John, making it the only existing Lennon-McCartney co-signed letter.This letter, written in May 1962, gives an insight into Hamburg’s flourishing live music scene, with Paul revealing how they’ve been told that American rock ‘n roll legends Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis may soon be visiting the city, and how Paul hopes The Beatles can perform with Chuck. Paul also reflects on a visit to Astrid’s house, just weeks after Stuart’s passing, and how the band have photos by her and Stuart on their walls.The exhibition features a rare set of Beatles photographs and letters written by the band’s five original members whilst in Hamburg(Image: Liverpool City Region)He also talks about buying a camera similar to one Astrid owns, further underlining her influence, having famously cut Stuart’s hair to the mop-top style, which led the band, except Pete, to follow suit and which the world would first recognise them.Paul and John are photographed by Mike McCartney in the exhibition playing their iconic Höfner 500/1 violin bass and Rickenbacker 325 Capri guitars, both of which were bought at the Steinway shop in Hamburg.Dr Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, said: “Both Hamburg and Liverpool have a long maritime tradition that has shaped our economies, cultures, and citizens’ mindsets. Both cities are diverse, cosmopolitan, and connected to the world. They honour their traditions while, as modern metropolises, embracing innovation and progress.”One of the special bonds between our cities is The Beatles, who are from Liverpool and launched their global career with legendary performances on Hamburg’s Reeperbahn. I am delighted that Liverpool is the partner region for this year’s Port Anniversary, which will allow us to strengthen our ties.”

May 13th 

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The summer transfer window is approaching quickly on the horizon and clubs are already busy working on deals to acquire their top targets. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer stories

Rumour

F. Valverde

Central Midfield

Real Madrid

?

Man Utd

LaLiga

Premier League

Manchester United will reportedly look to take advantage of Federico Valverde’s uncertainty at Real Madrid by making a move for the Uruguay midfielder in the summer transfer window.

Rumour

J. Ramón

Centre-Back

Como

?

Chelsea

Serie A

Premier League

Chelsea’s pursuit of Como defender Jacobo Ramón has reportedly recieved a notable boost, as Real Madrid are apparently unsure whether to trigger a clause in the 21-year-old talent’s contract to re-sign him next season.

The end of the season may be a busy month for Fulham boss Marco Silva. One report in England suggests that he’s already set to replace Vitor Pereira at Nottingham Forest, irrespective of whether they get relegated or not. While another report suggests that the manager could be in the running for the Chelsea job, if the Stamford Bridge side can’t convince Xabi Alonso to make the move to London.

Liverpool’s coffee scene is set to take centre stage with the return of it’s much loved celebration of the caffeinated drink. 
The event is set to be hosted for the third time at the beloved Black Lodge Brewery on Kings Dock St. The two-day-long festival aims to celebrate quality, craft and community while bringing together the best coffee producers from Liverpool and across the UK.
People can take the opportunity to explore over 300 different coffees from around the world, and also have access to exclusive talks and tasting sessions.
Ticketholders will also get the chance to compete in a latte art competition with exclusive prizes on the Sunday. Outstanding pastries, baked goods and savoury food from some Liverpool hospitality heroes will also be on offer. Showcasing the UK’s leading roasters, there will also be a bold Roasters’ Village and tasting lab to explore flavour and processes. 
Coffee lovers can enjoy the return of the festival with a limited-edition collaborative blend available at Crosby Coffee, Press Bros. and Two Words from next week (w/c 18th May).
This is created together with the festival, with the three roasters working together to select and profile a naturally processed Colombian Pink Bourbon coffee.
The drink is produced by Luis Anibal Calderon and sourced via Cofinet, resulting in a roast that showcases both craft and collaboration within the city’s coffee community.

Credit: HJ Comms/ Liverpool Coffee Festival
Credit: HJ Comms/ Liverpool Coffee Festival

Liverpool Coffee Festival Founder and Owner of Sub Rosa, Pedro Hunter, said: 
“We’re absolutely delighted to be bringing the festival back for a third year. Each year it’s grown in both scale and ambition, and it’s been incredible to see the community really get behind it, from local independents to national names, all coming together to celebrate great coffee across the region.”
Geoff Cliff and Chris Austin, distributors of Compak Coffee Grinders and Conti Espresso Machines, said: 
“There is a unique energy at the Liverpool Coffee Festival that you won’t find anywhere else. As headline sponsors, we’re proud to support a platform that celebrates both the craft and the community.”
“As Machine and Grinder sponsors, we’re looking forward to powering the brews this year and helping every attendee experience the difference that excellent equipment brings.”
Liverpool Coffee Festival is supported by IX Water, Alliance Local, Brades Dairy Farm and Brewed by Hand. Conti Espresso Machines and Compak Coffee Grinders proudly sponsor the popular event, too.
Liverpool Coffee Festival will be taking place at Black Lodge Brewery on Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th June 2026 from 10am – 4pm each day. Tickets are available to purchase online now at £13 for a day pass or £20.50 for a full weekend pass.
Find out more about Liverpool Coffee Festival here.
Stay up to date with what’s on this week in Liverpool here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.

Premier League sides are in for AS Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche (24), but they may yet face competition from Paris Saint-Germain, as per a report from L’Équipe. The European champions view the France international as a potential replacement for Lee Kang-in.Akliouche is expected to leave formative club Monaco this summer. It was reported by L’Équipe over the weekend that Liverpool’s interest in the forward was growing and that they could be tempted to table a €50m bid.AdvertisementManchester City are long-term suitors and their interest could be reignited during the off-season. However, PSG may enter the race. Atletico Madrid showed interest in Lee last summer. PSG warded off that interest, but if the La Liga club return to the table this summer, the South Korea international could leave.In the event of Lee’s departure, a replacement has been lined up – Akliouche. Despite the Frenchman’s contract running until 2028, he is expected to leave the Principality club.GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Damning issues were found following a multi-year probe from Liverpool City CouncilWoolton Convenience Store on Woolton Street(Image: Merseyside Police)A shop has been temporarily shut down after an investigation found it was selling fake cigarettes to school children. Back in March, the ECHO reported that the South Liverpool Neighbourhood Policing Team had joined forces with Trading Standards for a targeted operation in Woolton Village and along Allerton Road.Police said the operation was to target counterfeit goods. During this, officers visited Woolton Convenience Store on Woolton Street where an employee tried to hide his car key behind bags of crisps inside the shop. After searching his car, officers uncovered counterfeit cigarettes concealed in the boot.Last week, the ECHO was contacted by one resident who said that the shop had been closed, with a notice placed on the front door by the council.They said: “It’s a real concern as they are great for sending and receiving packages for different carriers but the other stuff seems to get in the way.“Sadly we use them as pickup and sending for different carriers as they support those for sending/receiving packages. We have packages inside the shop and ones being attempted for delivery but the carriers can’t access. We cannot pick up either.“I heard this morning that they may be closed for three months, but I’m not sure if that’s true.”This closure has been confirmed by Liverpool City Council. A spokesperson told the ECHO the shop was issued a three-month closure order on Thursday May 7. This was granted by the courts, and the evidence was uncontested by the owner of the premises.Woolton Convenience Store had originally been issued a three-month closure order in February 2024 for the sale of illicit cigarettes and vapes. Since then, a number of offences have been reported, which the ECHO can now reveal.One of these came in June 2024, when intel was received from a police officer stating the shop was selling vapes to people who were underage.The shop was sent a guidance letter the same day reminding them of their obligations and that they would be subject to underage test purchase.In October 2024, intel was received that the premises was selling illicit cigarettes and vapes, and selling these to children. In the same month, a report from a member of the public said they asked the staff in the shop to call the police after kids were throwing fireworks outside and one nearly hit her, but the staff member refused.The next month, council officers visited the shop with the police to discuss this incident. A search of the shop found 200 illicit cigarettes in a hidden concealment.Further information was received in June and July 2025, which also said the shop was selling illicit cigarettes and vapes to children. In September 2025, a staff member sold a vape to a 15 year-old volunteer in an underage test purchase.Another undercover test purchase took place two months later, where £6 cigarettes were sold from under the counter.A warning letter was sent to the owner in January 2026. More information the following month said the shop was selling cigarettes which “burn your throat”.In March 2026, further information claimed the fake cigarettes were being kept in a car. It was also claimed staff would sell them to children in school uniform if there were no adults in the shop.When the closure notice was issued, more illicit cigarettes were found in a car parked near the shop.The council spokesperson added the owner of Woolton Convenience Store was granted access at the end of last week to collect parcels that were already in the shop. They were going to arrange with the parcel companies for them to go to another distribution hub.

Read moere and download the PDF by clicking above.
Led by Wirral Works in partnership with UKHospitality and accredited by OCN London, the initiative provides a nationally recognised route into hospitality for people currently out of work, while helping employers access job-ready candidates.
The six-week programme equips participants with the core knowledge, skills and behaviours needed across front-of-house, kitchen and service roles. Delivered through approved colleges and training providers, it ensures consistent, industry-aligned outcomes.
A Win for Employers
Hospitality businesses are being encouraged to get involved, with clear benefits including faster onboarding and reduced training needs. Employers can also save on recruitment costs, with candidates already prepared to contribute from day one.
The Passport creates a clear, consistent entry-level benchmark, giving employers confidence in the abilities and potential of new recruits.
Opening Doors to Local Talent
Targeted at people on welfare seeking employment, the programme combines classroom learning with hands-on experience, helping participants build confidence and move into sustainable careers.
Local partners say the initiative not only supports individuals into work but also strengthens the region’s hospitality talent pool, creating a direct link between employers and motivated candidates.
Backing the Visitor Economy
As a key part of the Liverpool City Region’s visitor economy, hospitality businesses stand to benefit from a more skilled, consistent workforce. The Skills Passport also aims to raise standards across the sector and reposition hospitality as a long-term career choice.
With national backing and local delivery, the programme represents a joined-up approach to tackling skills shortages and supporting industry growth.
Get Involved
Hospitality employers across the Liverpool City Region can find out more about the Hospitality Skills Passport and how to get involved by clicking HERE.
You can also download a PDF on the initiative, HERE.
Alternatively, businesses can contact the Wirral Works team directly at wirralworks@wmc.ac.uk to explore how they can access job-ready candidates or support the programme.