Lib Dem Leader calls for cross party support to prevent Zoe's Place Closure

Cllr Carl Cashman, leader of the Liverpool Liberal Democrats, has called for cross party support for the local baby's hospice, Zoe's Place, after the sudden announcement of its imminent closure.

The Charity announced on October 7th that the trustees have taken the decision to close the hospice at the end of 2024. They explained that there was not enough time or money to relocate from their current location, where the lease runs out in 9 months, to somewhere new.

The charity had been hoping to build a new hospice near to its current location on Yew Tree Lane. In September the charity had plans approved to refurbish a former villa on the former bowling green at Hayman's Green in West Derby. This came after a huge fundraising drive was launched to pay for the new facility.

Cllr Cashman wrote to Zoe’s place and said, “It is with great sadness that I write to you regarding the recent announcement that Zoe’s place is set to close by the end of the year. Both myself and my colleagues, David and Phil Brookes-Lennon, were optimistic about the organisation’s future in Haymans Green.

“Your announcement brings to light the huge failure of the planning system, compounded by the awful economic situation created by the previous Conservative Government.

“I am writing this letter in the hope that something can be done to turn the situation around. Planning has been secured, but funding remains an issue. Myself and my Liberal Democrat colleagues are willing to knock on doors and promote any crowdfunded or fundraising activity that you propose. I am also happy to write to the Labour Government to ask them to step in to save this much needed service in the city. I will call on the Labour Council Leader to join me, and hope that other political parties in Liverpool will also join us.

“Please let me know if there’s anything that we can do to help and to change the fate of Zoe’s Place.”

Local campaigner, Phil Brookes-Lennon said, “This is really devastating news and my heart goes out to the staff and families affected by this announcement. Zoe’s Place is a much loved West Derby institution and to see the doors shut will be terrible and the effect will be felt well beyond our City. I really hope people can come together, put politics aside and do what’s best to keep the doors open for this charity.”