The Liberal Democrat- controlled city council wants a “managed” vice district where healthcare workers will try to wean prostitutes off drugs.

Other towns and cities are watching the outcome. Doncaster, Northampton, Bolton and Leicester councils have all talked about similar schemes

The proposed scheme is based on ones already running in Cologne, Germany, and the Dutch city of Utrecht.

Full article can be found at Liverpool turns on the red light

City says 'yes' to zone for sex workers
Results of Liverpool's sex worker consultation show more than eight out of ten people are in favour of a managed prostitution zone in the city.

The aim of the managed zone is to physically restrict street prostitution to an agreed non-residential area. There would be a zero tolerance approach to sex workers in any other area of the city.

A team of experts led by Professor Mark Bellis, Director of the Centre for Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University, carried out the in-depth consultation of more than 1,000 people.

The Report reveals that:

· 83% of people think that a managed zone is the best way to tackle street prostitution.

· 85% of people questioned agree to a managed zone.

· More than 800 people said a managed zone would allow better policing of prostitution.

· When asked what effect a managed zone would have on the image of Liverpool, nearly 900 people believed it would improve the city's image or have no effect. Around 170 thought it would have a negative impact.

· The issue of most concern to people is drugs and the drug-dealing associated with prostitution.

· 91% of people agreed with Liverpool City Council in wanting any zone to be away from residential areas.

· When asked where the managed zone should be, 53% said inside the city centre.

Executive Member for Community Safety, Councillor Flo Clucas, said: "I'm really encouraged by the results of the consultation and the number of people who contributed to it.

"The positive feedback shows that the people of Liverpool are ready to tackle the age old problem of prostitution. Most agree a managed zone is the best way forward."

More than 1,000 people took part in the in-depth consultation by filling in questionnaires, ringing the 24 hour hotline, or having their say online. These people included representatives from resident groups, the health authority, Liverpool city council, the Police Authority, local businesses, drug advisory teams and the prostitutes themselves.

The key groups (residents, local businesses and prostitutes) in Liverpool were given the chance to air their views during interviews with the consultation team.

Fifty street-based prostitutes were interviewed. Thirty seven resident groups and associations, who represent hundreds of people, contributed their opinions, and attended a meeting as did members of the Merseyside Chamber of Commerce.

One city businessman, John Clayton, believes prostitution should be treated as a social issue rather than a crime.

He said: "Conventional attempts to manage the sex trade have met with limited success. Liverpool can manage this problem in an enlightened way and actually enhance our city's positive standing and image."

"Establishing a properly managed sex zone sends out a clear signal that we have both the courage and will to address this perennial issue and provide a model of good practice for other cities to follow."

The Centre for Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University was commissioned to deliver the report in February this year.

Pete Clark, Head of Sexual Health at the Centre for Public Health said: "We were very encouraged by the responses we received.

"Over a thousand people contributed to the consultation, including residents, working women and local businesses, with the overwhelming majority supporting the idea."

Professor Mark Bellis, Director of the Centre for Public Health, said: "The people of Liverpool appear strongly in favour of this new approach to the world's oldest profession.

"Both resident and business communities recognise that a managed zone would reduce disturbances, including drug related incidents, caused by street prostitution and help end the horrific levels of violence inflicted on prostitutes."

The zone will not only provide a safer environment for street sex workers but will also give them access to support and services that will help them get off 'the game'.

Now the consultation is complete, the next big step is selecting an area for the zone. A working party and a select committee will choose an area based on the criteria outlined in the report. Once the report has been approved by the city council, it will be passed to the Home Office. The Home Office will then decide whether to give Liverpool the go-ahead to pilot UK's first official managed zone for prostitutes.