The new Ian Fraser Walk – a stretch of New Brighton promenade renamed in honour of one of Wirral’s most decorated heroes – officially opened last week.

The promeneade was one of Ian's favourite local beauty spots and he and his family spent many summers at the resort.

The new walk is part of King's Parde, stretching from the bottom of Rowson Street to the roundabout at Coastal Drive. It has been reconstructed as part of the wider regeneration project currently underway at New Brighton.

Wirral's mayor Cllr. Alan Jennings, unveiled the sign which confirms the renaming of this section of the promenade "in commemoration of Lieutenant Commander Ian Edward Fraser, VC, DSC, RD and Bar, JP. "

.Members of the Fraser family, including Ian’s widow Melba, and well-wishers were present for the official opening of the walk, along with Wirral Council’s cabinet member for streetscene and transport services, Cllr. Lesley Rennie, and Council leader Jeff Green.

Cllr Jennings told the gathering: “Ian was a dedicated family man. His family and friends will all be aware of his exceptional heroism and bravery during World War II.

“In particular, Lieutenant-Commander Fraser was decorated with one of the last two Victoria Crosses to be awarded to Royal Navy submariners in World War II, for an attack he made on the Japanese Warship, Takao, in a midget submarine in 1945. The award of the Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery.

“Throughout his life, Ian supported and gave of his time freely to many voluntary organisations and was a lifelong supporter of the Lifeboat Service. He was also an extremely successful businessman and made an enormous contribution to public life here in Wirral. He became a Magistrate in Wallasey in 1957, and retired from the Wirral Bench in 1992."

In May 1993 Ian Fraser was granted the Freedom of the Borough by Wirral Council, for his exceptional contribution to public life.