£1m Invested to Prevent Closure of Unsafe Flats

Up to £1 million in tenant and taxpayer money has been spent trying to prevent the closure of two dangerously unsafe flat blocks in Kirkby, Merseyside, according to the BBC.

Beech Rise and Willow Rise, once marketed as "luxury living," are now facing permanent closure due to severe fire safety issues. The move could leave dozens of leaseholders and tenants effectively homeless.

Residents said they’ve endured "years of hell," paying thousands for repairs, asbestos removal, and safety upgrades—yet the buildings continued to deteriorate. Service charges have quadrupled for some, with little to show for it. Leaseholder Dave Hemmings, 72, described once dreaming of retiring in peace in his flat, but now faces eviction.

Local MP Anneliese Midgley blamed a "broken leasehold system" where residents were left with full responsibility for management and upkeep, while offshore companies and professional landlords made money. “Historical owners and management companies have walked away from their responsibilities,” she said.

Knowsley Council spent nearly £400,000 on 24-hour fire safety patrols, which have now ended. Without improvements, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service ordered the evacuation of the buildings.

One resident, Elaine Shaw, 68, said the ordeal has left her with anxiety and depression. “My investment is worthless, and my life has been blighted,” she said.

The flats’ complex ownership history includes offshore firms, professional landlords, and now a dormant micro-company that bought the freehold land for just £5,000 in 2022. The current landlord, Rockwell FC100, said leaseholders are responsible for managing the buildings and is investigating how the situation deteriorated.

Campaigners say this case highlights the urgent need for leasehold reform. As Ms Shaw put it: “There is no justice unless you're stinking rich. We’ll keep fighting—because we have no choice.”