THE POST can today reveal plans for a designated zone for street drinkers in Liverpool city centre.

The so-called “wet facility” is being set up on a derelict piece of land in a bid to entice drinkers off the streets to improve the city centre ambience.

But the plan has sparked anger among businesses in the Renshaw Street area where the zone is being planned.

The Friends of Renshaw Street business group said it only discovered the plan after a conversation was overheard on a bus.

The council plans to introduce the facility on a derelict piece of land next to Zorbas Greek restaurant at the corner of Renshaw Street and Leece Street.

The entrance will be via Back Renshaw Street.

A marquee will be erected and drinkers will be encouraged to use the facility between 10am and 8pm – the hours when the council says most drinkers are on the streets.

Liverpool council, which owns the land, said alcohol abuse professionals would be based at the site to offer help. It is understood that plans to place the booze zone in the gardens of nearby St Luke’s Church (the bombed out church) were abandoned after resistance from local residents.

The council said an initial trial would start on Thursday for a month.

A Liverpool council spokesman said: “This is a new approach to street drinking. Other cities have tried this method and found it to be successful.

“We will take into account the views of local businesses.”