Around Liverpool social media account issues apology and promises to change

Man behind controversial page pledges to take it in different direction after ECHO article highlighted concerns

The man behind a popular Liverpool social media account that has been accused of sharing misinformation has issued an apology and promised to change the way the pages are managed going forward.

This weekend, the ECHO published an article that shared criticism of the Around Liverpool account from Liverpool’s council leader Liam Robinson and from Merseyside Police. The account has nearly 200,000 followers is known for posting memes and videos.

But in recent times, the account has been accused of sharing misinformation and stoking panic, particularly when a number of city schools were targeted with hoax threats earlier this month.

The ECHO reported how Liverpool Council’s leader described the posting and sharing of false and inflammatory information at a time when parents were already worried as “irresponsible and immoral.”

Merseyside Police said the posts could “falsely increase fear throughout our communities” and could jeopardise sensitive ongoing investigations by the force.

The criticism appears to have struck a chord with the man behind the Around Liverpool account as he has now promised to change the way posts are managed and to shift the focus of the account.

In a statement to the ECHO, he stated: “The page is used for many different things in the community. From raising money for charity and helping people out in need.

“It’s a public message board for anything to express views and opinions. But from now on the page will be toned down and I will be placing limits on what people are allowed to post.

“We will be focusing more on the community help and positive things. I want to use the page for as much good as possible.”

He said he apologised if the page had offended anyone, adding: “The page will always be open to any one of all beliefs and backgrounds.

“The page has done so much good for people in our community and will continue to do so. So please follow it for yourself and see what it’s all about.”

In a public post on X, the man behind the page said he had considered selling his accounts but would not be doing so as he had put too much into it.

He posted: “I’m just a normal person with an iPhone trying something different, speaking on what I believe is best for the country.

“Right or wrong, that’s always been the intention. But I also always allow others to say their part too. Regardless of their beliefs.

“But with millions of eyes on the page each week, things have to change. I need to be less tongue-in-cheek and more careful with what I say — otherwise I’ll start making powerful enemies.

“I’ll also be tightening what gets posted. I will have to limit the free speech on the things you say and post in. I hate censorship, but if this page is going to continue, it has to be toned down.”