THE bus spends much of its time in Allerton pointing out places of interest such as St Barnabas Church, at the junction of Penny Lane and Allerton Road, where Paul sang as a choir boy.

The current Barnardos charity shop, at Smithdown Place, was a former studio where the first picture of the Beatles was taken.

The bus passes Newcastle Road, Lennon’s first address, and takes in Hollyoak Hall, above the former Mustard restaurant on Smithdown Lane, where the young Beatles used to play.

Other highlights include the Dutch Windmill cafe, now a plumber’s merchants, where the lads would meet and the Woolworths store on Allerton Road, recently closed, where Lennon’s first wife, Cynthia, worked on the cosmetics counter.

Mr Johnson said: "I’d support an idea to create a Penny Lane district as it’s not just any other street.

"Penny Lane is a very ordinary part of Liverpool, but also very important as it was part of the Beatles’ early career.

"This is where they got their inspiration to write songs.

"It’s changed now, of course – the barber’s is now a modern salon and Martin’s bank became TSB."

Cllr Gary Millar, leader for enterprise and tourism, said Allerton Road could be a haven for small art galleries and boutique shops to promote Liverpool’s bohemian musical heritage.

He added: "The area is right for doing something special.

"We don’t sell Penny Lane enough. And, in terms of an attraction, it could be a fantastic experience.

"Currently it’s not the experience that the visitors from America, Japan and anywhere else deserve."

Cllr Ricard Kemp, ward member for the Allerton area, said: "People are wandering up Penny Lane and thinking, ‘I wonder why this road was in a song?’

"Lots of people visit Liverpool city centre. But many don’t see the rest of the city and we believe Allerton has got a lot to offer. This is an idea to promote the area and keep it vibrant.

"We’re asking residents, shoppers and businesses what they think.

"We will listen to what people have to say."

Cllr Colin Eldridge, ward member, said: "We want to make Penny Lane more than just a lane.

"It’s one of the most iconic streets in the whole world and every year tourists see a sign, and that’s it.

"The local economy was boosted by Mathew Street in the city centre. Now we want to give tourists coming to south Liverpool something to capture the imagination."