WIRRAL Council has taken control of the New Ferry explosion site as the evidence-gathering stage of investigation into the cause of the blast ends.

Council officers and contractors are now carrying out detailed condition assessments of the affected buildings and start work on making the homes safe enough for owners and tenants to get access and retrieve personal belongings.

Security staff have also replaced police staff around the perimeter of site, which remains sealed off to the public for a while longer.

David Ball, Wirral's assistant director of environmental services said: "The direct contact we have had with residents and business owners has been very positive in allowing us to give them an honest, initial appraisal and answer any questions and concerns they have as best we can.

"What will happen now is we will draw up a timetable to carry out any site clearances we need to do and make these buildings secure and safe enough to allow people to get in and collect some items.

"They are aware that for many of them it could be many months before their properties are able to be occupied permanently again.

"We will keep in contact with them and let them know when we are able to take them in temporarily – we anticipate that will happen early next week".

The council and its contractors will be working over the weekend to start clearing areas wherever possible.

While the council moves onto this next phase of the recovery operation, the area around the site will remain closed to members of the public.

This includes keeping the affected part of Boundary Road closed to traffic until further notice.

David Ball continued: "People have been very patient and understanding so far and we expect that support to continue while we move to this next phase of the clear up.

"Everyone should be assured that we are moving closer to getting New Ferry moving and open for business again in the wake of the terrible incident on March 24 and we will get there as quickly and effectively as possible".

Investigations on site have now concluded and police are continuing to work with specialists to identify the cause of the explosion.

There will be a further update meeting for residents, traders and the wider community at St Mark's Church Hall on Monday at 5.30pm.

A contact centre at New Ferry Village Hall to support affected people remains open until Wednesday, April 12.

After that, people can access ongoing support through a variety of council services and those offered by other agencies.

The distribution of charitable donations to help New Ferry people is being co-ordinated by volunteers at Christ Church hall in Port Sunlight.

The New Ferry Town Team is also co-ordinating a fundraising campaign to try and raise £10,000 to benefit residents and businesses to recover in the longer term.