We can't afford to lose this important piece of Beatles history
MUSICIAN Mike Byrne knew John Lennon from the days when he played at The Cavern on the same bill as The Beatles with his own band, the Roadrunners.
Fifteen years ago, Mike founded the Beatles Story exhibition and shop at Liverpool's Albert Dock, and still regularly performs with his latest band, Jukebox Eddie's.
He said: "I'm shocked and really saddened that something that is part of Beatles history is going to close. I would just hope that it's not going to disappear completely.
"I've had dealings with the children's home as part of Merseycats, a charity formed by the original Merseybeat groups, and I was really impressed with it.
"We have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for childrens' charities on Merseyside through the groups that are still playing, including Strawberry Field.
"It is part of The Beatles' heritage - every hour of every day there is either a coach, a car, or individual tourists walking up and down to see the place John Lennon wrote about, and having their picture taken.
"It is such an important part not only of Beatle history, but also of Liverpool's heritage. With Capital of Culture coming up, we can't lose something like Strawberry Field.
"Whatever happens, the Strawberry Field image should stay on the same site, and the original gates have to be preserved for future generations.
"It would be great if it could be kept for the community, for example as a Beatle-themed heritage centre, or for educational or performing arts use.
"The main thing is that it remains open to everyone. Strawberry Field is so important that it should be kept there on that site."
