Birkenhead man who refused to leave home dies aged 74

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 08:43 · Archive

Charlie Wright, who refused to leave his Birkenhead home as the River Streets estate was demolished around him, died aged 74 in February.

Charlie Wright, who was born in his Ilchester Road home in Birkenhead, died aged 74 in February. He refused to leave the property as the River Streets estate around him was demolished, making his house the last one standing on what became a derelict wasteland near Birkenhead North Merseyrail station.

Once a terraced house surrounded by 600 council properties, Mr Wright's home eventually became fully detached as a new housing estate was built around it over more than a decade. His story caught the attention of local and national media. In 2017, he told the Liverpool Echo: "I was born in this house. All our family lived here, there were nine of us. Once they got married, they moved and I was the last one – me and me mam."

When plans for 178 new homes emerged in 2019, Mr Wright expressed optimism about the changes. He told the Liverpool Echo: "It's going to be different having neighbours again. It's going to be good to see it happening." His Ilchester Road home has now been put on the market with a sale agreed.

How it is being reported

• Birkenhead man Charlie Wright who was the last person on his estate has diedCharlie Wright was born and raised in his house and refused to leave itLiverpool Echo · 11 Oct, 08:00
• Wirral man who refused to leave home as 600 houses vanished dies aged 74Wirral man Charlie Wright, who refused to leave his Birkenhead home as the River Streets estate was demolished, died aged 74 on February 2.Wirral Globe · 11 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Charlie Wright · Birkenhead · River Streets estate · Ilchester Road

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