MP renews call for government to help victims of New Ferry explosion

The blast, on March 25, left people homeless and businesses unable to trade.

Days after the disaster Alison McGovern addressed Prime Minister Theresa May about its effects on the community. Mrs May pledged to support the town's rebuild.

Ms McGovern was later told that because a general election had been called the government was unable to offer help at the time.

With the election now over Alison is again calling on the Government to fund New Ferry.

In a letter to Sajid Javid, secretary of state for communities and local government, Alison said that government support was needed 'as a matter of urgency". 

Commenting on the letter, she said: "I was very disappointed when I was told that discussions were to be put on hold regarding New Ferry because of a snap General Election.

"Life hasn’t been put on hold for the residents of New Ferry and they have waited for months dealing with repercussions of the explosion.

"For the people affected life hasn’t been the same since what happened.

"People sustained injuries after what happened and some of those were serious.

"It has been a very difficult time for the whole community.

"This was a very serious incident that happened and it required the attention of the government in the immediate aftermath and in the following weeks.

"I hope that the Minister is now ready to act.

"New Ferry has really pulled together to help and support each other. Now it is time they received support from Westminster".

Meanwhile, the town's recovery is underway as contractors reduce a cordon around the worst-affected properties and restore access past the blast site.

Only the most badly-damaged properties on Bebington Road remain cordoned off, meaning that direct through access for pedestrians can be restored.

Repairs have also taken place in Boundary Road, meaning traffic is now running through this part of New Ferry and Port Sunlight for the first time since the blast happened.