Arkwright Street

From Rose Vale, Lower Arkwright Street being demolished

A classic shot of the former Arkwright Street terrace houses with steps up t the front door and cellars beneath.

Arkwright Street towards Netherfield Road, 1948.

The banner on this image highlights the battle to save perfectly good houses in the West Everton area from demolition, as locals stood up to what was then the Militant-dominated Labour Council. The Langrove Community Housing Co-op organized a sit-in at one of the empty houses, manned at various times by 20 people and highlighted in my first ‘Lost Tribe of Everton & Scottie Road’ book. The protest lasted for nearly five months and ultimately saved the houses that still stand to this day as a testament to people power in Everton. It all began at 6pm on 20 December 1986 when local people occupied 68 Arkwright Street. This is the timetable that led to victory for the people: 20 December 1986: Squat at 68 Arkwright Street. 17 January 1987: Court injunction won to prevent demolition of houses. 15 May 1987: Langrove Community Housing Co-op registered. 16 July 1987: Council Housing Committee finally supports the Langrove Co-op, ratified by the full Council on 29 July. 20 December 1987: Contractors on site. Refurbishment work begins. 20 December 1989: Last resident moves back in to 41 Langrove Street at 6.20pm, three years to the hour after the occupation of 68 Arkwright Street. 29 June 1990: Actress Glenda Jackson officially opens the Langrove, Rose Vale and Arkwright Street houses, saying: “This is living proof that people matter and that people power can be harnessed successfully. Surprise, surprise, people are also the best to ask about how they want to live, where they want to live and who they want to live next door to.”

Arkwright Street. Demolition is nearly complete.

Arkwright Street in the 1960s. Photograph from Netherfield Road & Surrounding Areas Facebook Group.

Intriguing aerial shot.

Official inspect significant WW2 bomb damage in Arkwright Street near Netherfield Road N.

Former family shop at 104 Netherfield Road North. 1913

Arkwright Street from Greaty in 1967.

Arkwright Street was off Great Homer Street. It is pictured in 1925.