“I am a mother in cancer treatment, not Liverpool Council’s unpaid safety inspector,” Alisha Lawler said after linking industrial plant equipment near her Garston home to her dog’s death and her own breast cancer diagnosis. Alisha Lawler has lived on Moss Street for eight years, separated by an alleyway from Moss House, a Mersey Care facility where a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system was installed in the wrong location, the Liverpool Echo reported.
Moss House Heat Pump Installation Errors
Liverpool Council granted planning permission in 2023 for a heat pump unit to be installed at the boundary wall of Moss House. Work began in January 2025 on a variable refrigerant flow HVAC system instead of the approved equipment. Alisha reported that the device was activated in March 2025 on a 12-hour operational schedule. Noise readings taken at the property registered between 60 and 70 decibels.
A freedom of information request submitted by Alisha revealed that the commercial machine was wired incorrectly and underwent a subsequent refrigerant gas recharge. Environmental health teams at Liverpool Council had originally advised that the approved heat pump would produce only water as a byproduct. The equipment was eventually removed one week after Alisha underwent her first surgery for breast cancer.
Resident Suffers Severe Health Issues and Dogs Develop Tumours
Alisha reported experiencing severe symptoms including abnormal bladder function, extreme tiredness, headaches, and dizziness after the unit began operating. Her first dog, Holly, developed a tennis ball-sized tumour that erupted over three days between February and April 2025, requiring the animal to be put to sleep. A second dog also fell ill and required the surgical removal of a tumour in January.
In September last year, Alisha discovered a chest lump and received a grade 3 breast cancer diagnosis a month later. She also raised concerns regarding weedkiller and pesticide use along the boundary wall affecting both her and her disabled daughter. Private soil testing paid for by Alisha identified ground contamination from weedkiller, though an examination of the HVAC unit found no gas losses.
Official Responses From Liverpool Council and Mersey Care
A Liverpool Council spokesperson stated that the local authority cannot comment in detail on individual complaints. However, the council concluded after a thorough review that no further environmental or public health investigation or action is warranted based on current information, though officials remain willing to review new details. Mersey Care declined to comment on specific allegations because the matter is currently the subject of ongoing legal proceedings.
A spokesperson for the UK Health Security Agency North West confirmed they are aware of the issue and provided public health advice to Liverpool Council. Alisha has confirmed she will seek a judicial review regarding the handling of the installation and subsequent health concerns. Mersey Care stated that the Trust takes its responsibilities to the community seriously and maintains a long record of working closely with neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Moss Street Investigation
Why was the Moss House equipment removed?
The HVAC unit was removed one week after Alisha Lawler underwent her first surgery for grade 3 breast cancer. Mersey Care subsequently submitted a planning application in November to relocate the machinery, but that application was later withdrawn.
What did Liverpool Council decide regarding further health investigations?
Liverpool Council stated that no further environmental or public health investigation is warranted based on currently available information. The local authority added that officials are happy to review the case if new information is provided.
What legal steps is Alisha Lawler taking next?
Alisha Lawler has confirmed that she will seek a judicial review regarding the installation of the plant equipment and the subsequent impact on her home environment.
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