Housing minister Grant Shapps has written to Liverpool City Council to stop the destruction of 9 Madryn Street, where Beatles drummer Ringo Star was born.
English Heritage has ruled out a request to save the property on preservation grounds as it lacked historical or architectural importance. Should the council ignore Grant Shapps request, his department has the power to halt the development.

Madryn Street is scheduled to be bulldozed as part of the council’s plans to redevelop the city’s Welsh Streets estate.  Many developers want to build new properties for rent and sale in the area.

Grant Shapps feels that the property carries significance for many in Liverpool, and their views should be respected. He said:  "It's right that the people of Liverpool themselves decide whether they want Ringo Starr's house to be demolished or to Let It Be.

"Any regeneration project will generate strong feelings. But when what many people consider to be a culturally important building – such as the birthplace of the drummer in the world's most famous band – is at risk, then feelings are going to be even stronger."

He has written to the council "to give the local community and other interested organisations an opportunity to put forward alternative viable preservation options".

Whether the council lets it be is yet to be decided.