The small village of Banks, located on the border of Merseyside and Lancashire, is actively working to overcome the shadow cast by a horrific crime committed by one of its former residents. Community leaders are focusing on highlighting the village's strong local spirit and positive attributes, even as it continues to deal with the aftermath of the tragedy that brought it unwanted global attention.
Volunteers and residents are determined to show that Banks is defined by its close-knit community and rural charm, not by the actions of a single individual. This effort is centered around a revitalized community hub, which has become a symbol of the village's resilience and commitment to moving forward.
Key Takeaways
- The village of Banks is working to rebuild its reputation following a violent attack in Southport carried out by local resident Axel Rudakubana.
- Community volunteers, led by figures like Annie Ives from The Hub, are spearheading efforts to promote a positive image of the village.
- Some residents on the killer's former street, Old School Close, have moved away due to trauma and unwanted attention from "crime tourists."
- A local lottery grant is funding mental health and wellbeing initiatives for children affected by the events.
- The community is emphasizing its traditional village lifestyle and strong local spirit to attract new families and redefine its identity.
A Village in the Unwanted Spotlight
For decades, Banks was a quiet, rural village largely unknown outside of the North West. That changed dramatically last year when it was revealed that Axel Rudakubana, the perpetrator of a deadly attack at a children's workshop in Southport, had lived there for seven years. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of three schoolgirls and injured eight others, brought an intense and unwelcome media focus to the community.
The world's press descended on Old School Close, a small cul-de-sac where Rudakubana resided. In the months that followed, the street became a destination for what locals describe as "internet ghouls" and "crime-obsessed visitors," who would arrive to take photographs of the house, causing distress to the remaining residents.
The constant scrutiny and association with the crime took a significant toll. Many neighbours, unable to cope with the notoriety, sold their homes and left the area. The community found itself grappling not only with the shock of the events but also with a new, negative identity imposed upon it.
The Hub A Symbol of Resilience
At the heart of the village's effort to move forward is The Hub, a community and leisure centre run entirely by volunteers. Annie Ives, a trustee at the centre, has been a vocal advocate for showcasing the true character of Banks.
"A lot of people in the village feel it's been tainted by what's happened, understandably, but we want to show the other side of it," Ives explained. "The great community spirit, how lovely it is to live here, and the community feeling that we have."
The Hub itself is a testament to this spirit. In 2019, it was on the brink of permanent closure due to financial issues. However, a dedicated group of trustees and volunteers came together to save what they considered a vital village amenity. Since then, the centre has flourished.
From Near Closure to Community Cornerstone
The Hub was saved from shutting down in 2019 by community action. It has since secured a lottery grant, which has been used to develop a new community café, providing a much-needed social space for residents. The refurbishment was completed by volunteers in just four weeks.
"It's a meeting place for the village," Ives added. The new café is the only place in the town where people can gather for a coffee, reinforcing the centre's role as a central point for community life and connection.
The Lingering Impact on Residents
While the community works to build a positive future, the trauma of the past year remains. The ongoing Southport Inquiry at Liverpool Town Hall serves as a constant reminder of the tragedy. According to Ives, who is in contact with a local headteacher, children in the village become unsettled each time the case is featured on television.
The impact has been most acute for those who lived on Old School Close. Caroline, who was Rudakubana's next-door neighbour, relocated to another part of Lancashire to escape the memories and constant reminders. She described the trauma of having a gun pointed at her during the initial police response and the fear caused by threats being shouted near the police cordon.
"The fact that I’ve moved out the area means I feel so much more relieved and settled," Caroline previously stated. "They’re not the memories I want to remember, I don’t want that."
She referred to her former home as "the forgotten close," a place where no crime was committed but where lives were irrevocably turned upside down. Other neighbours have also reportedly moved away from the street.
Supporting the Next Generation
Recognizing the psychological impact on younger residents, community leaders have prioritized support for children's mental health. The lottery grant awarded to The Hub has been instrumental in this effort.
"I continue to speak with him [the headteacher] about how the kids are feeling and it helped us get the lottery grant to help with mental health and wellbeing activities for the children," Ives said. This funding ensures that resources are available to help young people process the events and their aftermath in a supportive environment.
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to ensure the long-term health of the community and to prevent the tragedy from defining the lives of its youngest members. The focus is on creating a safe and positive space where children can thrive.
Reclaiming the Village Identity
Despite the challenges, Annie Ives and other residents are determined to reclaim the narrative about Banks. They emphasize the qualities that have always made it an attractive place to live—a peaceful, rural lifestyle with close proximity to the amenities of Southport.
"People are moving here wanting a quiet village lifestyle for their children. There are two fantastic primary schools here," Ives noted. She described a traditional sense of community that is hard to find elsewhere.
What Makes Banks Appealing to Families?
- Quiet Lifestyle: The village offers a rural setting away from the bustle of larger towns.
- Strong Schools: It is home to two well-regarded primary schools.
- Community Activities: Events like weekly rounders games on the playing field during the summer bring residents of all ages together.
- Proximity: It provides a country feel while still being close to the larger town of Southport.
This is the version of Banks that its residents want the world to see. It is a community defined not by a single, dark chapter in its history, but by the enduring strength, resilience, and spirit of its people. The work being done at The Hub and across the village is a powerful statement that Banks is, and always will be, much more than the monster who once lived there.