AN assessment of buildings that were damaged during the explosion in New Ferry will be carried out today.

Council engineers are meeting representatives of property owners, structural engineers and insurance companies, to review the condition of buildings and make decisions on whether they need to be demolished.

The council's Recovery Team is still working with individual tenants, residents and business owners directly, particularly where they’ve not been able to return to their property.

Progress is being made on the blocks of buildings which are still off limits.

David Ball Wirral's assistant director of environmental Services and lead officer in the recovery phase in New Ferry said: "This is not something that one person or one organisation can fix.

"It’s going to take the whole community – from public sector agencies to businesses, residents and property owners – we all need to do what we can and do our bit".

A counselling session for people affected by the explosion will be held at St Mark's Church in the town tonight from 6pm to 8pm.

Counsellors will aim to help people with their feelings and emotions and if any individuals feel they need further, one-to-one support this will be picked up directly.

Feedback at a recent community meeting showed that local people still have a number of anxieties following the explosion.

Further meetings to help people and businesses deal with the aftermath of the explosion are also being planned.

The council is continuing to work closely with residents, businesses and partners in New Ferry and will hold its next community meeting at St Mark's Church Hall next Wednesday, May 3, at 5.30pm.

David Ball continued: "We're still working hard to get progress made in New Ferry.

"Turnout at the community meetings is still good and I’m pleased that we’re able to bring the council and its partners together with local people to hear about any issues so we can find a way to resolve them between us.