21-07-2025
Residents tired of Beatles fans block off Harrison's childhood home
A chain has been put up across the Liverpool street where Beatles legend George Harrison was born to block traffic after residents complained about tourists invading their privacy. Chris Bennett, who lives on Arnold Grove, told BBC Radio Merseyside he and his family "don't get any peace" due to the steady stream of visitors, minibuses and taxis. Visitors have thronged to the Harrison's childhood home since a blue plaque was put up there in Pike, a tour guide with the Magical Mystery Tour which runs up to six tours of the city a day, said "unfortunately it is getting very busy down here."
The chain was put up on Monday and runs across the unadopted road to block access. Other residents told BBC Radio Merseyside that they were not consulted about the chain and neither were bothered by the tourists coming down the street."It doesn't make a difference to me people can do what they like on the road," one said.
"Since the blue plaque went up it's been ridiculous. The volume of traffic is too much now and we don't get any peace," Mr Bennett, licensee of the nearby Cock & Bottle pub," he said."The first taxi could come at 09:00 and my wife will see another on the road when she gets home at 21.15."You get people looking through the window and if you leave your front door open they look through the door."
Mr Bennet said: "The minibuses and taxis will come in and block the entrance of the grove."Customers on tours are told to respect residents' privacy, Mr Pike said. "Lately there has been a lot more tours coming, private tours, taxis and minibuses and unfortunately it is getting very busy down here."He said the tour company supports the residents and understand why the chain has been put up.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
