The Queen has praised the Liverpool community which rebuilt Spellow Community Hub and Library after it was damaged by fire during violent disorder in twenty twenty-four. Camilla returned to the Walton library, bringing more books, meeting children and first responders, and unveiling a plaque to mark its recovery.
Her Majesty The Queen visited the Spellow Community Hub and Library in Walton to learn how the local community united to restore their essential resources following the destruction caused by the riots in August 2024. The vandalism, which involved significant fire and water damage, prompted widespread public outrage and occurred just one year after the facility had been refurbished with funding from the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram’s Town Centre Fund. Following the incident, which saw the building set alight during disorder on County Road, the community moved quickly to repair and restock the site.
A grassroots fundraising effort, initiated by Alex McCormick, initially aimed to raise £500 but ultimately secured £250,000 for the rebuilding project. During her visit, Her Majesty unveiled a commemorative plaque and participated in the library’s educational activities. She observed a chess lesson and joined Assistant Shawn MacAvoy in reading the children's book 'Giraffes Can't Dance' to a group of local students. She also spoke with first responders and police officers about their experiences during the disorder and the subsequent efforts to help the community recover.
Children’s author Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who read a poem before the plaque was unveiled, noted that the community was determined to retain the original Spellow name for the restored facility. Metro Mayor Rotheram praised the hub as a testament to local resilience and a reflection of the strength of the community. Liverpool City Council Leader Liam Robinson stated that it was an honor to host Her Majesty and guide her through the facility, which remains a central point of hope and recovery for the residents of Walton.
