Sebastian McCarthy The maritime city has had to navigate choppy waters recently, starting late last year when mayor Joe Anderson was arrested on suspicion of bribery and witness intimidation as part of an investigation into the awarding of building contracts in the city – allegations he vehemently denies. Just over six months later, and Liverpool is now reeling from another public humiliation – this time from UNESCO. Voting by secret ballot at a meeting in China, its committee has decided to strip Liverpool of its world heritage site status. The UN agency’s main concerns focus around the £5bn Liverpool Waters development and Everton Football Club’s plans for a shiny new £500m stadium, but UNESCO’s decision seems to lack the nuance needed when judging something as broad as the status of a city’s heritage.