Photographs have emerged showing the conditions inside a stalled site linked to a Liverpool politician.
Last month the ECHO revealed how councillor Abdul Qadir was linked to a large residential development scheme on Vauxhall Road in Vauxhall. The scheme has not been completed.
Cllr Qadir was linked to the site through his directorship with Vega Trading. The company belongs to the Vega Group, which owns MV Canal, the subsidiary company behind the scheme on Vauxhall Road.
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Cllr Qadir resigned from his role as cabinet lead for neighbourhoods following revelations in the ECHO about his links to the Vega Group. Richard Kemp, leader of the city's Liberal Democrats, made a formal complaint to the city solicitor over Cllr Qadir's failure to declare his links to the Vega Group. Cllr Qadir maintains he has done nothing wrong and has nothing to hide.
Cllr Qadir was a member of a special task force set up to investigate fractional sales and failed developments in the city. Last month he said his role with Vega Trading had not conflicted with his role as a councillor on various committees including the fractional taskforce. He said his sole role with the company was to oversee imports and exports.
Now photographs have emerged showing the conditions inside the MV Canal site on Vauxhall Road.
The photographs, taken earlier this week, show evidence of fly-tipping and drug use. Local man Kevin Robinson-Hale, a green campaigner, said: "It's a massive eyesore and a nightmare for locals. There must be a huge question mark around whether the developers can deliver the promised scheme."
Sami Labidi, the owner of the Vega Group, told the ECHO the company was working hard to tidy up the site as soon possible. Last month he said the site had stalled following the death of his father. Mr Labidi said Covid also contributed to the delay.
MV Canal bought the site on Vauxhall Road from Liverpool Council for £135,000 in 2016. The site was cleared and had planning permission for an apartment scheme.
Last month the ECHO linked Cllr Qadir to a second stalled site, on the city's waterfront. On his register of interests, Cllr Qadir lists the six companies that form the Vega Group, including James Troop Estates (JTE.) JTE bought a large plot of land off Sefton Street near the city centre for £475,000 in 2011. The site has not been developed.
A spokesman for Liverpool City Council told the ECHO that the formal complaint made by Cllr Kemp about Cllr Qadir was 'proceeding.' He said: “The complaint is proceeding through the Councils complaints process."
The spokesman also revealed that a site inspection took place on Thursday, when a breach of the perimeter was noted. The spokesman said the council would now instruct a repair of the breach and bill the developers for the work.
The ECHO approached Cllr Qadir for comment on this story.
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