A Mermaid trial is going to be created as part of an exciting community art project in New Brighton.

The Mermaid Trail takes inspiration from the ‘Black Rock Mermaid’, who was said to have appeared to a local sailor in New Brighton in the 18th century.

The project will feature a series of mermaid statues right across the resort, designed by local artists, schools and community groups.

Work can now start moving forward thanks to a successful bid for £10,935 by the New Brighton Coastal Community Team (NBCCT) to the Burbo Bank Extension Community Fund, a grant scheme set up by DONG Energy to benefit voluntary groups and organisations located near to the coastline where it is carrying out the extension to the offshore wind farm.

Work on the mermaids is likely to start in the autumn, with the aim of being installed ready for visitors in the spring of 2017.

The plan is for six mermaid statues to be installed in locations across the resort creating a trail around the area.

Cllr Tony Jones, Wirral Council’s pledge champion for ‘building a vibrant tourism economy’ and Chair of the NBCCT, said: “New Brighton is steeped in maritime history and the revitalised New Brighton is committed to building on this, bringing it back to life even as we look to the future.

“This project will raise awareness of the legend of the Black Rock Mermaid and will bring her story to the attention of the hundreds of thousands of visitors the resort attracts each year.

“The trail is important to the areas as it will take visitors away from the waterfront areas for a time and introduce them to some of the attractions and unique character that can be found in different parts of New Brighton.

“The Mermaid Trail will help connect the distinct communities within the New Brighton area and allow us to welcome even greater visitor numbers.

“The area is already synonymous with community-led creative arts activities and the Trail will further cement this identity.”

“It is an extremely exciting time for everyone connected with the resort and our thanks go to DONG Energy for supporting us with the grant from the Burbo Bank Extension Community Fund.”

Competitions and community events with the trail as a theme are planned and updates on the development of the installation will be promoted on www.wirral.gov.uk/newbrighton, www.visitnewbrighton.com and www.visitwirral.com, as well as being communicated through social media.