'Slave' streets renaming dropped

The street names are linked to those involved in slavery

A councillor's attempt to change the names of streets in Liverpool linked to the slave trade has been dropped.

Barbara Mace proposed abolishing names of streets linked to notorious slave traders and replacing them with ones who had made a positive contribution.

The plan was criticised by those who argued the negative parts of history should not be "airbrushed".

It was due to be discussed at a meeting on Wednesday but Liverpool City Council said the idea had now been withdrawn.

A council statement said there would be a consultation period before new proposals were brought forward in the Autumn on how the city can best commemorate slavery abolitionists.

Penny Lane

Council leader Warren Bradley said: "While we are committed to commemorating those who played an important role in the abolition of slavery, we have decided that renaming historic streets is not the best way forward."

Liverpool was a major trading port for slave ships travelling between Africa and America in the 18th Century.

Mrs Mace wanted the likes of Tarleton Street, Manesty's Lane and Clarence Street to be renamed.

But her plan would have meant the disappearance of Penny Lane - thought to have been named after 18th Century slave ship owner James Penny.

The street was immortalised by The Beatles in their 1967 hit which got to number two in the charts.