Merseyside Tower Block Condemned: Residents Face Homelessness Amid Safety Concerns

Residents of a Merseyside tower block are facing homelessness after fire inspectors deemed the building unsafe. The building, located in Willow Rise, has numerous issues including malfunctioning fire alarms, extensive damp and mold, and broken lifts. One resident, Arunnee Leerasiri, stated, "When you think about your life savings, your hard-earned money, and you put it in a place where you think it's going to be your lovely home..." Another resident, Chris Penfold-Ivány, who is battling terminal cancer, described the situation as "a catastrophic scandal." Knowsley Council is temporarily covering the cost of fire patrols, but the funding is limited. The council's deputy leader, Cllr Tony Brennan, explained the difficulty in assigning blame due to the building's history of multiple owners and managers. The residents' anxieties highlight the urgent need for a lasting solution to ensure their safety and housing security.