These are the latest ECHO headlines this morning.
Government taking over all finance and governance powers at Liverpool Council
The government is to take over all financial, governance and recruitment powers from troubled Liverpool City Council, the ECHO can exclusively reveal.
Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark has confirmed the government intervention at the council will be significantly expanded to the point of an effective full-scale takeover. He also revealed plans for a new strategic panel to work with the council on its future plans, which will be chaired by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram.
Today a second report from a team of government commissioners - installed to oversee the council's Property, Regeneration and Highways departments last summer after a damning government inspection - will be published. Mr Clark said the report reveals "serious shortcomings" remain at the city council, particularly around financial management and senior leadership. The report also criticises the slow progress made in making improvements at the Cunard administration.
READ MORE: Students heading to Oxford and Cambridge after incredible A-level results
The council has continued to struggle since the revelations of last year's explosive Max Caller inspection report. A recent energy bill disaster saw millions of pounds added to the city's electricity bill and both finance director Mel Creighton and chief executive Tony Reeves have quit in recent months.
Having considered the latest commissioners report, the Secretary of State has announced that he is minded to now appoint another commissioner to oversee the authority's financial management and to transfer the council's governance and financial-decision making to the commissioners along with powers over recruitment.
Read the full story here.
Man filmed his own brutal attack on friend then bragged about it
A man filmed himself battering his friend then showed it to their horrified mutual friends at a Wirral caravan park.
Callum Taylor-Greensmith assaulted David Hughes at his friend's parents home in Wirral on the weekend of the 2022 Champions League final.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that after drinking the day after the final Taylor-Greensmith launched an unprovoked attack on his friend, kicking him multiple times in the head and leaving him badly injured.
READ MORE: Barred customer threatened pub worker with baseball bat
The 22-year-old was set to be sentenced today but that was adjourned after a judge requested further medical evidence about Mr Hughes’ condition.
Frances Willmott, prosecuting, told the court Taylor-Greensmith and Mr Hughes had become friends through visiting the Park Lane Holiday Park in Meols.
They spent the night of the Champions League final socialising, watching the football and drinking. The next day, they again drank at Mr Hughes’ parents house in Hoylake, as well as at nearby pubs. However, Taylor-Greensmith became increasingly drunk and aggressive. After Taylor-Greensmith lost his phone and got angry at Mr Hughes for not paying for all his drinks, Mr Hughes suggested he go home.
Read more here.
Penthouse sells for record price near Bramley Moore Stadium site
A Liverpool penthouse apartment has sold for a whopping £570,000.
The Stanley Dock Property has fetched a record price and become the most expensive apartment sale in the city for 2022. The Grade II listed, two bedroom apartment, is in the Victorian Tobacco Warehouse complex, that overlooks Stanley Dock.
Found close to the new Bramley Moore stadium, the 1,658 sq ft penthouse, has a private roof terrace that spans the entire length of the property and boasts views of the historic surroundings. Throughout the penthouse has been fitted with bespoke design fixtures, including a walk-in wardrobe and open plan kitchen.
READ MORE: This million pound Merseyside house was once worth £165,000
Based on the 13th floor of the Tobacco Warehouse, images show the home has an open plan double reception room, with enough space for an 8 seat dining area. There are floor to ceiling doors that lead out onto the full length terrace from the living area.
The fully integrated kitchen boasts a marble top central island, with a separate utility room off this area, providing extra storage. The main bedroom benefits from a walk-in wardrobe and 'luxurious' en-suite bathroom.
Read more information here.
