THE Archbishop of York has said he will urge the Government to provide financial help for those affected by the New Ferry explosion.

Dr John Sentamu made the pledge after seeing the devastation caused by the blast during a brief visit to the town this afternoon.

He also met residents and business owners and praised the area's community spirit.

Following his visit, he told the Globe: "People here are determined not to be defeated by the hazardous thing that happened here.

"I just hope that the town gets all the support it needs for the rebuilding of the community.

"A terrible event like this can only make the community stronger.

"There's a consultation meeting next week on regeneration plans for the town and I would like to know what the community itself and the planners have decided."

Work to demolish the buildings most severely damaged by the blast is underway.

In July, Jake Berry minister for the 'Northern Powerhouse' said the government would not provide financial assistance for "incidents of the size and impact of New Ferry." 

But during his visit Dr Sentamu said: "Central government may be far away, but New Ferry is a very important community enterprise that must be supported."

The visit was part of a tour of the borough, which included a visit to St Catherine’s Hospital, Cammell Laird, the Hive Youth Zone and centenary celebrations for the town's YMCA tomorrow.

Dr Sentamu was joined for the walk in New Ferry by Wirral South MP Alison McGovern and mayor, Cllr Ann McLachlan.

Ms McGovern told the Globe: "Anybody who wants to help us is so welcome, but to have somebody of the archbishop’s significance come and visit New Ferry is fabulous.

“I know, from what he said that he will take it up with the government as well.

“If the Prime Minister and Secretary of State think we’re going to go away quietly, they’d better forget it.”

Cllr McLachlan added: "It's absolutely fantastic that the archbishop had taken time out of a very busy schedule to see the devastation in New Ferry.

"It's also encouraging that he’s going to take some important messages back to Westminster that, hopefully, will have some influence on the outcome."

Residents and business owners in New Ferry will have their say on regeneration operations during a series of public events next week.

Over the past few months there have been discussions and ideas put forward for the future of the town at regular community meetings.

Last week demolition began on the worst affected buildings at the explosion site.

Properties from numbers 56 to 66 Bebington Road, which took the brunt of the blast on March 25, are now being dismantled by FTS Demolition Ltd in a 10-week contract.

Three consultation events will take place on Tuesday, September 12 to Thursday, September 14 at St Mark’s Church on New Chester Road from 2pm to 7pm.

In addition to the drop-in events next week, people will also have the chance to comment on the proposals online.

David Ball, who is leading Wirral Council's recovery operation after the blast said: "This is a really significant stage in our response to what happened in March and we want everyone’s input into the regeneration plans. 

"What we are looking at are initial ideas – more detailed plans and impressions will come forward later.

"We are committed to continuing to work hand in hand with local people on the regeneration of New Ferry so consultation at this stage is very important – we look forward to sharing these ideas with residents.”