Liverpool to decide on red light zone

[Keevan_Colton]

The first prostitution tolerance zone to be set up in England could move a step closer later as Liverpool City Council decides if it wants one.

If the plan is approved, the council will apply to Home Secretary Charles Clarke to officially sanction the vice area in the city.

The council inititally considered five areas for the zone, but says a final decison has not yet been made.

Under the plan, sex for sale would be allowed between 0800 and 0200.

The scheme's backers have said it could control the sex trade and stop prostitutes from working in residential areas, protect them from violent clients, prevent organised crime involvement and help drug addicted prostitutes kick their habits.

In December 2003, 26-year-old Mark Corner, of Walton, Liverpool, was detained indefinitely at Ashworth Hospital after admitting killing two prostitutes.

The dismembered bodies of street-workers Hanane Parry and Pauline Stephen were found dumped in bin bags in Everton in July 2003.

Residents in Everton, who fear that one of the tolerance zones could be near them, have threatened legal action to stop the plan.

In August 2004, Pauline Daniel, of the Residents Against Prostitution group, said: "You can't get a bus or a taxi in the streets without being accosted. You also get abuse from the prostitutes.

"The community will support a tolerance zone as long as its well away from a residential area. It's got to be a mile away from any residents."

BBC

[Prozac the Robert]

I'm not sure how you managed it, but you seem to have spliced it in with an article about the constitution.

[Keevan_Colton]

I'm not sure how you managed it, but you seem to have spliced it in with an article about the constitution.

Gah, bloody multi-item clipboard...I'll fix that...there, all better now.