CAMPAIGNERS hoping to save Liverpool’s Welsh Streets and Ringo Starr’s childhood home have been dealt a massive blow by the Government.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has refused to force Liverpool Council to sell the derelict homes.

Save Britain’s Heritage asked Mr Pickles to use a little-known piece of existing legislation known as a Public Request to Order Disposal (PROD) to force the sale.

Mr Pickles has said he will keep the situation under review and ask the council for an update in three months.

The setback for campaigners came ahead of a crunch planning committee meeting on Tuesday to decide the future of the 271 homes, in Toxteth.

Will Palin, secretary of Save Britain’s Heritage, last night said: “It is frustrating because we felt that the PROD was well received, and early indications were that it was being taken seriously.

“Our view is that the Government was supportive of our request, but could not find a way to make it legally watertight.”

Liverpool council leader Joe Anderson said: “Residents have been stranded in unfit homes for nine years and they overwhelmingly support the Labour council’s plans.

“This is localism in action – the Government is letting residents’ views take priority.”