Former Trinity Primary School Site: Update and Statement from the Chair

Photo: Kris D’Août

The Eldonian Community Trust Limited wishes to address recent coverage by the Liverpool Echo concerning the former Trinity Primary School site at Eldon Place.

We are grateful to the Liverpool Echo for reporting on this important matter. Issues relating to the use and disposal of community assets are of significant public interest, particularly where they concern land originally intended to benefit local residents. Responsible reporting plays an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability.

As outlined in that coverage, a serious concern has been raised in relation to a 2017 transfer of the site. At a residents’ meeting held on 16 April 2026, a former trustee stated that a signature appearing on a transfer document—relating to the disposal of the land for a stated consideration of £1—was not hers. This is a matter which, if substantiated, may have significant legal implications.

The current Board of Trustees was appointed in March 2025 and was not in office at the time of the events in question. However, the Trustees have a clear duty to review historic matters and to safeguard the assets of the charity. The Board is therefore actively reviewing the circumstances surrounding this transfer, alongside other historic disposals of land.

We have contacted the individual concerned and have offered appropriate support, including facilitating access to independent legal advice should she wish to formalise her position. It is appropriate that any such allegation is considered by the relevant authorities, including the Charity Commission for England and Wales, which is currently conducting a statutory inquiry into the charity.

Photo: Kris D’Août

In light of the seriousness of these matters, the Trust has maintained its position that it would be inappropriate for any planning determination to be made in respect of the site until the inquiry has concluded and the relevant facts have been properly established.

Set out below is a formal statement on behalf of the Chair of the charity:

Statement on behalf of Lord Chris Rennard, Chair of Eldonian Community Trust Limited

“The allegations reported in relation to the 2017 transfer of the former Trinity Primary School site are extremely serious. Any suggestion that a signature on a legal document may not be genuine goes to the heart of the integrity of that transaction and, if proven, could have significant legal consequences.

The current Board of Trustees, appointed in 2025, was not in office at the time of these events. However, we have a clear duty to investigate past matters thoroughly, to support any individual raising concerns, and to ensure that the interests of the charity and the community it serves are properly protected.

We have reached out to Ms Harrison and have offered the charity’s full support, including facilitating independent legal assistance should she wish to provide a formal affidavit. It is right that any such allegation is considered by the appropriate authorities, including the Charity Commission, so that the facts can be properly established.

More broadly, the Trustees are actively reviewing historic disposals of charity land, including the circumstances surrounding the 2017 transfer. We will pursue all appropriate legal avenues where there is evidence that charitable assets may have been improperly transferred or dealt with.

Given the seriousness of these issues, and the ongoing statutory inquiry by the Charity Commission, we maintain our position that no planning determination should be made in respect of this site until these matters have been fully investigated and resolved.

Our priority remains the protection of community assets and the restoration of the founding principles of the Eldonian Village for the benefit of local residents, both now and for future generations.”

The Trustees remain committed to acting in accordance with their legal duties, to transparency and accountability, and to ensuring that community assets are protected for the benefit of the Eldonian community. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.”

See the article here