Liverpool plans a "red-light" zone

[Ignoto]

Plans to open the country's first official red light district were approved last night.

 

Liverpool city council voted by "an overwhelming majority" in favour of a designated area where prostitutes can ply their trade legally and safely.

 

Council votes to set up red light district

By Nigel Bunyan

(Filed: 27/01/2005)

 

Based on the Dutch model used in Utrecht, the zone would operate in an industrial area at night away from homes and evening businesses.

 

It would be easily accessible by car and public transport, and have ample parking.

 

The site would also have CCTV cameras, premises to be used as a health and welfare centre, and controlled entrances and exits. A uniformed presence of either police officers or city wardens would patrol the zone.

 

Police would adopt a policy of zero tolerance elsewhere in the city.

 

Flo Clucas, the council's executive member for housing, social care and health, said: "We had to come up with a solution to the terrible problems caused by prostitutes working in our residential communities."

 

Councillors will now take the proposals to the Home Office to try to get the law changed so the zone can be established.

 

A department spokesman said: "We are looking into the pros and cons of such zones but it would require primary legislation."

[Guest rohale]

Keep Dreaming, Keep Dreaming.

 

Ro