A MUCH-LOVED Wirral attraction will not be rebuilt, it has been confirmed.

It was announced today (Thursday, March 23) that New Brighton’s Black Pearl pirate ship will not be returning.

Parts of the hugely popular driftwood attraction were swept away as strong winds battered the region in 2013 and later in 2020.

In 2013 the ship was also partly destroyed in an arson attack after which volunteers flocked to rebuild it.

READ: New Brighton's Black Pearl falls victim to severe weather again

Built out of items from the beach, the ship was created by local artist Frank Lund and his friend Major Mace and attracted visitors from across the borough and beyond.

The artists behind the beloved ship shared the news on Facebook, in a statement they said: “It is with heavy hearts we pirates have to announce that following much soul searching the rebuild of our beloved Black Pearl will not be going ahead.

“The council, Natural England and ourselves have had many productive discussions but unfortunately due to some building and time constraints plus pirate builders' availability we have made a unanimous decision not to rebuild.

“So regretfully we have to step back from what we love and let her go.Rest assured your pirates will continue to be part of our fabulous community through the driftwood creations in Vale Park.

“It has been an amazing ten years since the first build and has brought much joy to our local community also visitors from all over the world.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support.

“What a fantastic journey we all have been on and in the words of Jack Sparrow himself, 'go retrieve that horizon'.”