A GREEN scheme aimed at reducing car use in the city was shelved indefinitely after city bosses refused to help fund the project.

Liverpool has been without a car club since late last year when the company running the scheme quit the city after repeated incidents of vandalism and users being ticketed by traffic wardens.

City bosses had said they were confident they would have another car pool up and running by this month, but talks with two other providers have now collapsed and Liverpool is left as the only major city in the UK without the eco-friendly initiative.

Riverside MP Louise Ellman attacked the council after she received complaints from residents who had chosen to forfeit their own car when opting for city centre living.

Local councillors said it also made “a mockery” of the council’s green credentials.

Some 300 residents were registered with the scheme.

Mrs Ellman said: “It is extremely disappointing and it suggests the council does not have a full commitment.

“It’s the council’s responsibility, and residents have been concerned that the council appears to be dragging its feet.”

One city centre resident said he would probably end up having to buy another car.

He added: “As a city centre resident, I ditched my car some years ago, relying on the fact that I was able to access a City Club car 24 hours a day whenever I required it.

“If there is to be any further delay to the scheme, or if a replacement operator has not yet been appointed, then I am afraid I will have no other option but to purchase a new vehicle myself.”