I think this is very hypocritical to be truthful. They want to keep the bombed out Church for posterity, as a memory to WW11 and the people of Liverpool, most don't believe in Church, and they would like it as an art centre of sorts. What a load of rubbish.
I'm not saying it should go, but the reasons should be thought through carefully, and then backed up by actions. Why have a Church as a memorial if you don't believe in the Church, for example. Why have an art space, when most of those who lost their lives in the war, would consider the art of today, to be a load of rubbish in most cases.
Who keeps this crumbling edifice, continually stuck together for health and safety reasons, and who complains about council tax being given to the wrong places ?
Nothing against you Rude.
I just see the whole set of reasons behind the petition as not genuine. Just another issue to make a statement about, for those who have the time to sit there all day.
In the 60's I used to walk past this monument every day and it did indeed have an aura about it.
However, these days it has been used mostly as a backdrop for 'art' - the last one I remember being a lot of boats upside down all painted the same colour (I think). The Church is no longer a memorial and perhaps it would be better to flog off the stone and the land and set up a Trust Fund to enhance the lives of local people seriously disabled to be run by volunteers with no allowances and proven background.
Being a Grade II listed building, I assume that they won't be able to pull it down Moonstar, so the façade would have to be incorporated with whatever. It is a lovely piece of architecture but I agree it would be better serving a purpose and at the end of the day, why not let it be a benefit to the poor. I mean destitute poor. After all, one of the principles of the 'church' is to help the poor and needy.
Last time I was in Bold Street, near the top a few young people had put together flask of hot drinks and sandwiches. They had a queue of a number of young people waiting for something to eat and drink. That in my opinion is a pretty appalling record for the 'Capitol of Culture' City. Maybe something similar to what those young people needed could be set up with assistance from the Trussell Fund who are able to deliver the idea of food banks nationwide.
There are plenty of philanthropists out there who would just be happy to own a piece of history and help those in need.
Before signing I'd like to hear what the development plans are. The petition site just says:
Please re-think any decision to 'tart-up' this venue which will exclude artists from Liverpool and the North West.
It would be nice to have a link to a news story, like this for example:
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/yoko-ono-joins-more-18000-6871217Which then raises the point that its all well and good to petition, but if the council is struggling to pay for it, a signature isn't going to help. Maybe the signatories could all donate £2 a year to maintain it's upkeep? I put in a quid each time I go.
The article states that a company wants to hold weddings there. Is that a bad thing?
Granny, so many buildings have got listings that perhaps it is time some were removed and let things move on.
Not sure about this feeding people for free. The Sally Army have been doing it for decades.
It was interesting to note (sorry, can't remember where, but recently) that since hardship funds became available from the Council the take up has dropped considerably; the reason suggested was that vouchers instead of cash were given.