TEMPERS boiled over at a council meeting as it was asked why New Ferry had been "left to rot" while millions could soon be spent on a new golf resort in Hoylake.

Answers were demanded from councillors at the Wirral South constituency committee meeting on Wednesday, almost exactly 12 months on from the explosion that devastated the town.

Despite Wirral council last week announcing its £1bn Wirral Growth Company scheme to regenerate the borough will not leave New Ferry behind, residents in attendance at the meeting at Mayer Hall, Bebington, were fuming.

One asked the committee: "One year on from the New Ferry explosion and there has been no real amount put in by the council.

"There’s been a few little studies but nothing else. Why are they lending millions to developers for this golf resort [in Hoylake] and yet leaving New Ferry to rot?"

It was revealed that 20 similar questions had been sent in by residents about the golf course, despite Hoylake being in the Wirral West constituency.

Labour councillor for Bromborough, Warren Ward, said more than £350,000 had been invested by the council to help the New Ferry community.

He explained: "I think first and foremost this is not the appropriate platform to discuss policy.

"On the situation of New Ferry, I was there on the evening of the explosion.

"I have to say I have never been more proud to represent Wirral Borough Council in its efforts since that night in how they have responded to help those residents.

"Wirral Borough Council represents over 350,000 residents.

"We have had a national crisis that the government has not responded to.

"I'm sorry there are no Conservative councillors here who can answer for the government.

"We are losing grant money so are forced into a position to look for external funding.

"Unfortunately as a council we are forced to think more business like.

"That's not a position we wanted to be in, but we must look to ensure as residents you get the best opportunities possible.

"We recognise New Ferry has been through a tragic time.

"That's why we have invested so much money in it, and that money is going to increase.

"We have released that money in times of absolute austerity."

Lib Dem Cllr Chris Carubia told the resident: "I'm totally against the golf resort in every shape and form.

"That is my opinion."

But after reluctance from some councillors in attendance to comment as they are either on the planning committee or reserve members, a clearly agitated member of the public said: "It's no surprise the Labour side do not comment on it. That's no surprise to us at all.

"We find this on every constituency meeting we go to."

He was told answers were given to a similar question at the previous constituency committee in Birkenhead, and that members "need to be aware of any comments they make which may bar them from sitting on the planning committee".

Eastham Lib Dem Cllr Phil Gilchrist added: "There is nothing yet happening in terms of borrowing money for this golf resort. I cannot see an immediate link between New Ferry and Hoylake."

Responding to the constituent, Cllr Carubia said: "This constituency is here to deal with Wirral South.

"I'm happy to have a conversation with you afterwards about this issue."

Bebington ward Cllr Jerry Williams said: "I want to highlight the support this committee has given to New Ferry.

"£380,000 has been put in when this council is in a very serious situation. But of course that was very much needed."

The Labour representative added: "This committee has across the political divide solidly supported the people of New Ferry and we will continue to do so."

A member of the public responded: "I hear what you're saying that the council has spent that money which sounds fabulous, but when you compare it to the golf resort, it's a drop in ocean.

"Yes, the Government is not providing money for New Ferry which is a terrible thing.

"But if the council goes and get grants for a golf resort, they should not put their hands up and blame the government for no money for New Ferry."

When contacted for an update on whether New Ferry will benefit from government money, Homes England said it had been supporting Wirral council "with options" for the site.

It added that it had "proposed undertaking a feasibility appraisal to determine a potential residential scheme as part of the council's regeneration plan".

A spokesman added: "We have suggested a project team involving Wirral council and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is established to oversee the development of the site."