THE West Wirral coastline still bears the scars of the December storm-lashing because of an “utterly woeful” response by the council, Tory group leader Cllr Jeff Green has claimed.

The welcome return of the sun has done nothing to disguise ripped up and rubble-strewn sections of the promenade at Meols and West Kirby.

Councillor Green said: “The council’s response to West Wirral’s coastal flood damage has been utterly woeful.

“It’s more than three months since the December 5 storm surge, and virtually nothing has been done.

“Setting up a few cones and plastic barriers does not represent a proper response.”

He added: “Once again it demonstrates a lack of planning and co-ordination.

“The council should also communicate better with householders to let them know what’s going on, and what is being done to remedy the situation.

“They tell us the seawall repairs are complete, but clearly there is a long way to go before the job is finished.”

Councillor Brian Kenny, Wirral Council cabinet member for environment, said that despite Prime Minister David Cameron’s assurance that ‘money was no object’ in relation to flood repair, Wirral Council had received only £20,000 to offset the £250,000 it has paid out.

He commented: “That has been very disappointing and there is also an indication that there could be more bad weather on the way.

“There is no point in carrying out repairs only to find out that they will have to be done all over again.

“Work won’t take place until early April because we don’t want to waste money in having to do it again within a few days or weeks.”