People were left disappointed after diggers completely cleared a popular green space in the Baltic Triangle following a rat infestation.
Videos and pictures in recent days have shown the community areas within the Baltic Green Urban Park being removed.
As of yesterday the council had completely cleared out the area, which was created last year as part of a project led by Tristan Brady-Jacobs and saw pallets used to create seating as well as other installations in the park.
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Liverpool Council, which owns the land but had allowed the creation of the seating under a land agreement, said there had been increased usage of the area since the end of lockdown.
Pest control officers said the higher numbers of people eating and drinking in the park had been drawing rats to the area.
The council said it was forced to act after pest control established that the rats were able to use the pallets to nest, posing a risk to human health.
Mr Brady-Jacobs said he and others involved in the project had always expected the pallets to be temporary and accepted the issue with rats had become difficult to deal with but said he was “devastated” by how quickly the area had been cleared.
Many writing on social media voiced similar views, with multiple people saying the space had become a valued part of the local area since being established.
Tanya Horne tweeted: "I watched residents put a lot of hard work into setting this up during our family lockdown walks last year - I'm really sorry to hear it's been destroyed."
Gemma Sparkes added: "Having seen the months and months of hard work to build this along with the artists making it look amazing, it’s a massive shame to see it all knocked down within a few hours."
ECHO readers have shared their disappointment in the area being cleared and are encouraging a more permanent social space.
Ben Faulkner tweeted: "Hello @lpoolcouncil, could you tell me who sanctioned the destruction of a community green space in Baltic Triangle today? Local residents hard work ripped up and thrown in a skip by council employees without notice or discussion.
"Lots of saplings and plants pulled up and destroyed too!
"For the majority of local residents who live in apartments, this was their garden, their social space, a place to meet with friends and make new friends, now completely destroyed!"
Others encouraged the council to think about putting something more permanent in the area.
Commenter MAKES SENSE said: "Should put permanent seating in the area if its used a lot and bins raised off the floor."
Peter Rogan said: "An opportunity to invest in a fantastic upcoming area, massive potential for jobs, massive potential to attract more bars, restaurants, pop up food stalls...entertainment. If you build it they will come. Decent people want decent places to go."
Dendot said: "Honestly it's the scruffs leaving their rubbish... otherwise there wouldn't have been a problem. People cannot seem to understand the usage of a bin and if no bins... then take it with you"
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