LIVERPOOL council’s plans to demolish the Welsh Streets – formerly home to Ringo Starr – are in jeopardy after communities secretary Eric Pickles ruled there were likely to be “significant environmental effects” from knocking the houses down.

The letter, sent to legal representatives of campaign group Save Britain’s Heritage, states that there are contaminated, hazardous materials which could be disturbed which could potentially put houses near to the demolition zone at risk.

It adds that the council’s right to demolish under the Town and Country Planning Act has been withdrawn and an environmental impact assessment must be carried out.

But council sources said they believed it was a sign that the Government would attempt to completely block the demolitions of the Dingle houses.

The Secretary of State’s letter to the council’s legal advisors states: “It is noted that the demolition process will create waste including hazardous waste from asbestos-containing materials.

“A survey indicated the presence of asbestos-containing materials and detailed specific control measures for removal and disposal have been identified.

“The disturbance of contaminated materials could lead to significant environmental effects in relation to both pollution and risk of accidents, particularly given the proximity to residential use.”