When the UK traded with the US, Liverpool was the gateway to Europe. As Europe increased trade within its member states the East, the 8 miles of uninterrupted dockland fell in to decline along with the local economy and the lives tat depended on it. The population declined rapidly as people sought work elsewhere. The derelict properties adding to the industrial wasteland. By 1980 the port was at its lowest ebb. Its remaining storage being used for surplus grain and butter. European farmers were guaranteed incomes from the European Union to produce food that would never be used, not even for the starving in Africa. The UK governments response was not to divert that money in to producing goods (and creating employment) that was required but to decide that Liverpool need a garden festival to help regeneration. The festival site remains unused today. Fortunately the city's beautiful and historical buildings remained intact. These along with its musical and sporting heritage helped it become European Capital of Culture in 2008. This time the city has been regenerated and is the top UK destination outside of London.