Information for residents and owners of properties in Beech Rise and Willow Rise, Kirkby
All residents and owners of properties in Beech Rise and Willow Rise are being contacted from Tuesday 23 May 2025.
These buildings are privately owned – they are not Council owned buildings. They are currently subject to an enforcement notice by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) due to concerns about their condition and a temporary ‘waking watch’ has been in place whilst the management company considered the works needed to ensure the buildings comply with legal health and safety requirements.
The waking watch involves a team of trained personnel patrolling the building at all times to provide an early warning for occupants in the event of an emergency. However, this was intended only as short-term solution whilst the wider issues are addressed.
In May 2025, the buildings’ management agent wrote to flat owners in the building to state that it was not able to fund the repairs that are needed, including repairs to the buildings’ lifts, and that the management company (Parklands) would no longer fund the waking watch after 21 May 2025.
MFRS has confirmed that if the waking watch ends without the repairs being carried out, it will have no option but to declare the buildings unsafe and issue a prohibition notice which will require all residents to move out immediately.
Knowsley Council has agreed to temporarily take over responsibility for the provision of the waking watch for a short period of time. This can only be continued for a matter of weeks rather than months. This has been done for the sole purpose of avoiding the need for an emergency evacuation of the building.
When the waking watch ends, residents will be unable to remain in their property at Beech Rise and Willow Rise and are advised to now seek alternative accommodation as soon as possible.
As these buildings are privately owned, and not owned or managed by Knowsley Council, we may not be able to answer all your questions.
Multi-millions pounds of investment is needed for these buildings which, as well as the Council not owning the buildings, it does not have such funds.
However, we want to offer as much help and support as we can to those residents affected.
On this page, we will share the information that we know and continue to update our Frequently Asked Questions which can be found below.
Beech Rise and Willow Rise FAQs
Beech Rise and Willow Rise FAQs
What is the Council’s involvement with Beech Rise and Willow Rise?
These buildings are privately owned and not owned or managed by Knowsley Council.
However, we want to offer as much help and advice about the steps you now need to take.
The decision not to repair the buildings, and to end the waking watch, was taken by the buildings’ management company – Parklands (Kirkby) Management Company Limited - not Knowsley Council or Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS).
The Council was notified that the company intended to end the waking watch on Wednesday 21 May 2025, which would have left residents with very little time to move out their belongings and find somewhere else to live. The Council therefore took the decision to take over the waking watch and extend it for a limited time to prevent an emergency evacuation of the buildings.
As we do not own or manage these buildings, we may not be able to answer all your questions – but we will help as much as we can.
Why can’t the Council fund the repairs to the buildings?
Knowsley Council does not own Beech Rise or Willow Rise – they are privately owned. The Council has not had any previous involvement in the maintenance (or lack of) within the buildings. The buildings require multi-million pounds of investment which the Council does not have. In order to support residents and give them more time to find alternative accommodation, the Council has agreed to extend the waking watch for a short period of time.
Will the Council find me somewhere else to live?
Due to the number of households who may require alternative accommodation, our Housing Solutions Service is offering support to the most vulnerable residents, and those at immediate risk of homelessness as a priority.
If you are able to make your own arrangements for alternative accommodation, you are strongly advised to do so as soon as possible. If you make your own temporary arrangements, you will still be classed as a homeless priority.
If you are a tenant in your current home, you should contact your landlord who may be able to help find temporary accommodation for you.
If you are the owner of the property, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible to see what support they can offer. You may be able to make a claim for temporary accommodation. You will also need to contact your mortgage lender.
As it seems unlikely that you will be able to return to the buildings after you leave, we strongly recommend that you now explore all housing options that may be available to you. That could be with friends or family or by checking property websites and social media for advertised homes which would meet your needs.
If you are at risk of homelessness, you should make a homeless application by completing the form on Knowsley Council’s website (go to www.knowsley.gov.uk and search ‘homeless application’), or by calling 0151 443 2333 between 9am and 4.45pm Monday to Friday. You should also register on Property Pool Plus at www.propertypoolplus.org.uk so that your needs can be assessed (as part of the application you will need to provide supporting evidence).
Please note that calling out of hours will not mean you will be prioritised and placed into temporary accommodation.
Representatives from the Council and partner agencies will be available to support you at Centre 63, Old Hall Lane, Kirkby. Places are limited so it’s advisable to book an appointment in advance. Please phone 0151 443 2333 from 9am until 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, to book an appointment. Sessions are taking place on:-
Wednesday 28 May from 12pm until 4.30pm
Thursday 29 May from 4pm until 8pm
Friday 30 May from 9am until 1pm
Saturday 31 May from 9am until 1pm
Tuesday 3 June from 12pm until 5pm
Wednesday 4 June from 2pm until 8pm
Saturday 7 June from 9am until 1pm
It is advisable that you also have a ‘grab bag’ packed and ready should the situation change and you need to leave immediately. This should include essential items such as:-
- Important Documents: Copies of insurance, passports, driver's licenses, and other vital papers
- Medications: Any prescribed medication, along with copies of prescriptions
- Personal Belongings: Glasses, contact lenses, spare keys, and other items that provide comfort or are necessary for daily life
- Hygiene: Sanitation, toiletries etc
- Food & Water: Try not to leave any perishable goods in the flat
- Warmth & Comfort: Blankets and warm clothing
- Communication: Mobile phone and charger
- Money: Cash and credit/debit cards
- Baby & Child Supplies: Formula, food, nappies, and toys
- Pet Supplies: Food, water, carrier, collar, and leash
- Valuables
Before Leaving:
- Ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked
- Switch off gas and electricity at the mains
- Turn off any appliances that are not needed
When do I need to move out?
From 27th May 2025, residents need to start to look for alternative accommodation as soon as possible as the waking watch is only extended for a limited period (weeks rather than months).
Is it safe for me to stay in the property at the moment?
Whilst the waking watch is in place, there are suitable measures in place to warn and inform you in the event of an emergency. Therefore, there is no requirement for emergency rehoming at this stage.
Once the waking watch has to end, no such measures would be available and remaining in the buildings would be prohibited by law.
Due to the management company’s decision not to carry out the works which are needed to bring these buildings up to legal standards, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to return to live in the buildings. For that reason, we strongly advise you to remove all belongings from the property and make permanent alternative living arrangements at the earliest possible opportunity.
Why can’t the waking watch be made permanent / go on for longer?
The waking watch can only ever be a temporary solution – it is intended as a last resort whilst essential maintenance is carried out to ensure the safety of the building.
However, the buildings’ management company has now confirmed that they are not going to carry out the necessary works, including repairs to the lifts, and they are no longer funding the waking watch.
Once the waking watch comes to an end, Merseyside Fire and Rescue will have no choice but to serve a prohibition notice which declares the building to be unsafe and unfit to be occupied. At this point, all residents must leave.
In order to give residents of Beech Rise and Willow Rise more time to make alternative arrangements, Knowsley Council has agreed to pay to temporarily extend the waking watch (which was due to come to an end on 21 May 2025). This prevents the need for an emergency evacuation, which would have left residents with very little time to remove their belongings and find somewhere else to live.
However, residents are now asked to make arrangements to leave the buildings as soon as possible.
What happens if I refuse to leave / can I choose to stay?
Once the waking watch ends, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service will serve a prohibition notice on the buildings, which means entering the buildings will be prevented by law. Therefore, you must vacate the property. Without the waking watch, your safety within the building cannot be guaranteed.
Due to the management company’s decision not to carry out the works which are needed to bring these buildings up to legal standards, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to return to live in the buildings once you have left.
For that reason, we strongly advise you to remove all belongings from the property and make permanent alternative living arrangements at the earliest possible opportunity.
If you are at risk of homelessness, please register as soon as possible for Property Pool Plus. You can do this by visiting www.propertypoolplus.org.uk or calling 0151 443 2333.
Is there any financial help available?
If you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of moving home, there are some existing schemes that may be able to help. Please take a look at the Council’s Emergency Support Scheme for more information – visit www.knowsley.gov.uk and search for ‘emergency support’. If you cannot apply online, you can ring our contact centre on 0151 443 3200, and one of our advisors will take your application over the phone. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 4.45pm.
Support with the cost of food and other household essentials is available through a number of community organisations. Details of what is available and how to access it can be found by visiting www.knowsley.gov.uk/knowsley-offer
Sometimes grants are available if you meet specific criteria. Use the Grants Search on the Turn2us website to see if you could be eligible for a grant which you will not need to repay. You may also be eligible for benefits and other entitlements you are not aware of. Claiming these will increase your income – visit Turn2us and use their ‘benefits calculator’ to see whether you are missing out.
Citizens Advice Knowsley can offer help with welfare benefits, debt and financial support. As well as offices in Huyton and Kirkby, you can visit their website or call their advice line for help and support. Find out more by visiting www.citizensadviceknowsley.org.uk or call 0808 278 7839.
What help can I get with moving my belongings?
You will need to remove your belongings from the property and you may need to hire a van or instruct a removal firm to assist with this or ask friends and family to help you.
You may find it beneficial to begin moving items out of the property as soon as possible, rather than removing all your items on one day.
You may be able to receive help with removal costs, but you must be in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit which includes the housing element. You will need to make a claim for a Discretionary Housing Payment, visit the Knowsley website - Discretionary housing payments.
There may also be support through the Council’s Emergency Support Scheme. Further information is available on the Council’s website.
If you want to dispose of large or heavy items which won’t go into your household waste bin, you can arrange for them to be collected separately. Further information about bulky waste collection can be found on the Council’s website.
You must not leave rubbish or bulky items on corridors or in communal areas. The building management company has withdrawn the caretaker so this will not be removed. Please be respectful of your neighbours who will also need clear access to these areas to remove their belongings too.
What about pets?
Please make sure you take any pets with you. If you are unable to bring your pet to your new accommodation, please make alternative arrangements for them. Do not leave pets in the property when you leave. The Council’s Dog Warden can provide advice – email environmentalhealth@knowsley.gov.uk or call 0151 443 4712.
Do I still need to pay rent, even if I’m no longer able to live there?
You will need to speak to your landlord to discuss the situation. You may also want to seek legal advice or help from an organisation such as Citizens Advice.
I am a homeowner – what happens to the value of my property?
This is not something that the Council can advise on. You are advised to speak to your building insurance provider as soon as possible.
Do I still need to pay my mortgage, even if I’m no longer able to live there?
You should contact your mortgage provider and explain the situation and they will be able to outline their position. Again, you may also want to seek legal advice or help from an organisation such as Citizens Advice.
Also, you’ll need to notify your insurance company if you have contents insurance.
Do I still need to pay my Council Tax?
After you vacate your property at Beech Rise or Willow Rise, an exemption from Council Tax at that address will be granted but you will need to inform us of your new address (even if this is a temporary address).
You can do this here or by calling the Council Tax line on 0151 443 4476. This phone number can also be used to obtain further information regarding Council Tax at your new address.
Do I still need to pay for utilities?
You will need to contact your energy company as well as water and broadband companies.
Other practical advice
Remember to cancel any subscriptions you have that are linked to your address at Beech Rise or Willow Rise.
You will also need to contact your GP, dentist, school, employer, DVLA if you have a driver’s license, TV licensing, HMRC (for example if you claim child benefit), Department for Work and Pensions (if you are a Universal Credit claimant or in receipt of any other Benefits).
Mental Health support
Having to move and having uncertainty about the future can be a source of worry and stress – you’re not alone and help and support is available.
If you no longer feel able to cope and need urgent help, call the NHS Mental Health crisis line. NHS staff will support you to get the help you need. Available 24/7 - call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. If your life is at imminent risk, please call 999 for immediate help.
You can also contact the Samaritans - a safe place to talk 24 hours a day about whatever is troubling you. Call 116 123.
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK who needs support. Text “Shout” to 85258. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout Volunteers are here for you.
You can also speak to your GP if you need help or if you are worried about someone else.
You can also access help and support online by visiting www.kindtoyourmind.org. There are other sources of support listed on the Council’s website here.
What will happen to the building in the long term? Will I ever be able to return?
That is a matter for the management company and buildings’ owners. The buildings are privately owned and are not owned or managed by Knowsley Council.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has been clear that unless the necessary remedial works are carried out (which the management company have stated they do not have the funds for), the building will remain subject to a Prohibition Order which prevents people from living there.
The Council will work with the management company and partners to manage the long-term security of the buildings.
Will I be compensated?
Knowsley Council isn’t able to advise on this. It is a matter for you to take up with your insurance company or with the buildings’ management or freeholder direct.
Why hasn’t the Council done more / acted earlier?
These buildings are privately owned and are not owned or managed by Knowsley Council. We are only able to operate within the legal powers that we have, and we are not able to use public funds to cover costs that are the responsibility of the buildings’ owners.
As a result of concerns raised by residents and MFRS, our Environmental Health team has undertaken numerous site visits in recent years. In some cases, we have placed prohibition orders on individual properties and supported residents to be rehoused. We have gone above and beyond our statutory responsibilities to try and secure the best possible outcome for the residents of Beech Rise and Willow Rise, including multiple offers to support and working with the management company to identify the steps needed to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
It must be noted that the Council is only able to take action related to individual properties within the building, not the building as a whole (this is something only MFRS are able to do).
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to work positively and proactively with the buildings’ management company and agents, conditions within the buildings deteriorated significantly in recent months. Now that the building management company has confirmed it does not intend to carry out the necessary repairs, and once the waking watch ends, MFRS will have no choice but to place a prohibition order on the buildings, in order to keep people safe.
I need information in another language / format
If you need this information in another language or format, please call 0151 443 2333.
