A GROUP of travellers has been evicted from the grounds of an historic Wirral mansion earmarked for conversion into apartments.

The removal of around seven caravans from Andrew Gibson House in Wallasey, was secured by developer Prospect Capital, after a successful application by their lawyers Weightmans.

It follows complaints from neighbours about disturbances and anti-social behaviour.

Prospect's managing director Craig Blackwell, said: "This has been a huge relief to residents who have had to put up with totally unacceptable behaviour by some of the people who have been occupying the site.

"I am relieved that they have moved on, and we will be maintaining enhanced security over the next few weeks to ensure there is no repeat visit."

Praising the team at Weightmans, he continued: "I would like to thank Karen Neald and her team for their highly efficient work in securing and executing the eviction order."

For Prospect Capital, this has been the latest in a series of frustrations that have delayed work on the restoration of the much-loved landmark building.

It is to be converted into a plush new development including apartment blocks and "gate houses" boasting views across the Mersey.

Construction work was due to start late last year, but delays in a process to reroute and replace a public footpath across the site, has prevented work on the redevelopment from starting.

Craig Blackwell said: "There were initial problems with the application process by Wirral Council, followed by further delays as the process had to start all over again due to the Covid lockdown.

"Although there was massive local support for the redevelopment scheme, two residents objected to the footpath re-routing, so the process had to be referred to The Secretary of State.

"We always feared the longer the delay in starting the process the more the building would deteriorate.

"We were just on the cusp on getting a decision on the footpath when this happened.

"I sincerely hope, we do not experience any further problems or complications.”

Prospect have worked with local residents to ensure that the replacement path which is fully DDA compliant improves access to Egremont Promenade whilst maintaining a direct pedestrian link between Maddock Rd and Blenheim Rd.

Subject to approval of the footpath diversion, Prospect anticipate starting work on site within the next six weeks.