THE Liverpool City Region authority has pledged £20,000 for the disaster relief fund set up in the wake of the New Ferry gas explosion.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram initiated the donation after visiting the site with Wirral South MP Alison McGovern, Wirral Council leader Phil Davies and Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry.

The donation will contribute to the emergency fund created by local charity New Beginnings.

Mr Rotheram has matched the funds raised by the charity to support those affected by the explosion but has insisted that the donation will only provide short-term relief and more long-term help is needed from government.

Speaking about the donation Mr Rotheram said: “The Combined Authority is making a £20,000 donation - which matches the amount raised so far by the New Beginnings charity that was set up to help those affected.

“This is nothing to do with the long-term needs of the area; it is just to provide some immediate relief.

“We are looking at what steps we can take to deal with the human impact of the New Ferry explosion, but also to look at the longer term redevelopment of the whole area.

“I have also given my own pledge to local residents that this will not be the forgotten disaster.”

Wirral Council are currently working up a ‘masterplan’ for the regeneration of New Ferry which will be completed in the next couple of weeks.

He added: “From speaking to residents in New Ferry, the frustration is palpable and people feel that much more needs to be done.

“We had an extremely constructive meeting and visit with the Minister Jake Berry yesterday.

“He outlined his intention to take the New Ferry case back to Westminster so the Government can see how best to respond to the immediate requirements of businesses and residents affected but also to support the delivery of the forthcoming masterplan.”