AN impassioned plea to the Government’s new communities secretary has called on him to help Wirral Council regenerate New Ferry.

It comes over a year after a huge explosion devastated the Birkenhead town, and leading Merseyside politicians have implored new Housing, Communities and Local Government secretary James Brokenshire to not let it become 'the forgotten disaster.'

Mr Brokenshire took over the role this week, with Sajid Javid becoming Home Secretary following Amber Rudd’s resignation over the Windrush scandal.

A letter signed by Wirral South MP Alison McGovern, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and on behalf of Cllr Phil Davies, leader of Wirral council expressed 'disappointment' that the Government was 'yet to recognise' New Ferry, but had made available £2.5m to Salisbury following the attack there in March, which saw Sergei and Yulia Skripal poisoned.

The letter said: “As three politicians who have all served in local government, we believe that your new job is one of the most crucial in the cabinet.

"However, we need your help now to ensure that the New Ferry disaster is not forgotten by the department.

“Wirral council have managed all of the emergency impacts of this blast, including demolitions and making the area safe.”

The letter, posted on Twitter by Ms McGovern on Wednesday, explained how Homes England are working on a future rebuild of the town, but that those plans will not help the council meet the 'substantial costs' already incurred.

She added: “Most pressing is the need of businesses in the town.

"Many of whom have incurred serious damage and loss of revenue through no fault of their own.

"Some businesses have been forced to cease trading altogether.

“Shortly after the disaster, the Prime Minister said that her Government would help people in New Ferry.

"To date, residents and businesses feel sorely let down. No funds have been made available by the Government to assist.”

A man appeared in court on Wednesday charged with causing an explosion likely to endanger life in New Ferry on March 25 last year, and a plea and trial preparation hearing will take place in September.

Addressing why funding has been made available for Salisbury but not New Ferry, the letter continued: “We agree [funding Salisbury is] the right thing to do, and fully support it, but we are disappointed that the Government are yet to recognise New Ferry warranted anything like a similar level of support following the devastating blast that occurred in last March.”

Despite 'regular correspondence', the letter went on to say Wirral has been unable to secure 'fair treatment' for New Ferry, adding: “Again, let us stress that we three, and residents of New Ferry, support all the efforts the government are doing regarding Salisbury.

"We just want fair treatment for a town that suffered a significant disaster, which left many distressed, some with serious injuries, and which Wirral Council deserves more help in dealing with.

“We would be grateful for an early opportunity to meet you to discuss how the Government can help, and we would be very happy to welcome you to the Wirral at your convenience.”

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government was contacted for comment.