WIRRAL Council is to lobby the Government for urgent financial aid to help the "forgotten people" whose lives have been devastated by the New Ferry explosion.

In a debate during a five-hour meeting of the full council on Monday night they supported a notice of motion tabled by Labour ward councillor Warren Ward.

He told councillors "New Ferry does matter" - to loud cheers and applause from more than 70 residents gathered in the public gallery – and was praised by fellow councillors for the work he had done in the town since the disaster on March 25, along with the emergency services, members of the community and council officers.

But councillors also questioned why the government quickly made cash payments to people affected by the Grenfell fire disaster in London but not to people in New Ferry.

Cllr Ward's notice of motion read: “Following the devastating explosion in New Ferry, hundreds of Wirral residents and businesses have been affected.

"Residents' homes have been destroyed or badly damaged and local businesses have had to close, forcing many local people into unemployment, along with hundreds of residents who were injured, including the tragic case of a 21 year-old man who almost lost his life".

And he told the meeting: "Sixteen weeks on the Government has done nothing to help.

"New Ferry must not become a political football.

"I'm ashamed, appalled and disappointed that it has taken 16 weeks and we have not had a visit from a senior Government minister.

"People in New Ferry have been forgotten by this Government.

"New Ferry does matter. We all have a responsibility to ensure that the government plays its part to support that need."

Council leader Phil Davies said £300,000 had been spent helping residents - adding that he was happy to commit to more money.

But he reminded colleagues the council was facing £45m of cuts this year.

He said: "It really is time the Government stepped up to the plate.

"The time for talking has finished.

"The Government has quite rightly acted for the poor people affected by the Grenfell Tower fire - it's time for them to do the same for the people of New Ferry."

The council voted unanimously to lobby the Government for help.