THE man behind New Brighton's regeneration has offered to help develop a strategic masterplan supporting people and businesses affected by the New Ferry explosion. 

Steve Parry, managing director of Ion Property Developments Limited, formerly known as Neptune Developments, has pledged to help Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and Wirral Council leader Phil Davies create, what he calls a 'deliverable regeneration plan' for the town centre.

Mr Parry, who lives locally to New Ferry, said: "As a regular customer, I know that some of the businesses destroyed in the blast such as Griffiths, butchers and Lan's House Chinese restaurant, were some of the most appealing and appreciated businesses in the town.

"We need to look at how New Ferry can become a vibrant sustainable place for people to live, shop and spend their leisure time.

"New Ferry has suffered greatly from the growth of out of town retail parks which have influenced a change in shopping habits.

"We want to offer our help, advice and support to help turn this terrible disaster into a new beginning for New Ferry." 

As well as committing to support the development of an ambitious plan for New Ferry the Liverpool City Region authority announced last week that it would pledge £20,000 to the disaster relief fund created by local charity, New Beginnings, which will contribute to the short-term relief and the human impact of the explosion.

And during a full council meeting on Monday night, councillors voted unanimously in support of a notice of motion, tabled by New Ferry Labour councillor Warren Ward, to lobby the government for urgent financial aid to help those whose lives have been destroyed by the blast 16 weeks after the disaster.

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.

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.

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