Lord Heseltine honoured for 'sowing seeds of Liverpool renaissance'

Lord Heseltine described himself as "an adopted son of Liverpool"

Conservative peer Lord Heseltine has been given an honorary fellowship by a Liverpool university in recognition of his part in the city's regeneration.

Lord Heseltine helped the city change its image after the Toxteth riots in 1981 and was instrumental in the transformation of the Albert Dock.

He received the award from Liverpool John Moores University on Wednesday.

He said he was "deeply honoured" to get the award in a city which he was "proud to see rise and prosper".

The university's Pro Vice Chancellor Dr Edward Harcourt said Lord Heseltine was being given the fellowship for his "outstanding and sustained contribution to the regeneration of Liverpool"

'Stem decline'

"Few would contest that it was Michael Heseltine who sowed the seeds of this city's remarkable renaissance and transformation over the last 30 years," he said.

"The riots in the summer of 1981 were not the catalyst for his involvement with the city, but they did serve to heighten his resolve that something had to be done to stem Liverpool's decline.

"As Environment Secretary, it was his foresight, influence and lobbying in national, political and financial circles that created the partnerships to invest in the regeneration of the Albert Dock, stage the 1984 International Garden Festival and commence a 25-year programme to clean up the River Mersey.

"Today, the dock comprises the UK's largest collection of Grade I-listed buildings and is the most visited multi-use attraction in the UK outside London, and the Mersey is the cleanest it has been since the early 19th Century."

The Tory peer was given the freedom of Liverpool in 2012 in recognition of his role in the city's rebirth.

Receiving his honorary fellowship, he said that as "an adopted son of Liverpool, it has been fantastic to see this transformation which has come about through engaging the community and forming effective partnerships".

"I am deeply honoured to receive this from a prestigious university in a city which I have been proud to see rise and prosper."