Councillor Phil Davies, Leader of the Council – Growth, said:

“Our commitment to the people of New Ferry has been resolute since day one. We have worked tirelessly to support the community to recover from the explosion which devastated the town, and we have consistently lobbied Government for direct financial support – sadly to no avail.

We are now taking steps to rebuild New Ferry, so we can create a thriving residential and retail centre which residents can be proud of.

Over the past few months, the council has been working with Homes England – and its appointed consultants – to make progress on a residential masterplan for the area, one which will provide a key trigger for the wider regeneration of New Ferry.

This latest proposal to bring key land and properties under the Council’s control will see us invest nearly £1.3m in addition to the £400,000 we have already spent on recovery efforts.

We are also working with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to unlock £500,000 in regional funding to help us bring forward our plans at pace. We will also continue to do all we can to make sure the Government meets its responsibilities to the people of New Ferry, and will continue to lobby for financial support.

Despite the complications of land and properties across the sites being owned by various companies and people, I am delighted we have been able to find a way to deliver a comprehensive regeneration plan for New Ferry. With Port Sunlight on its doorstep, this can be a place where people want to visit, where businesses will want to locate, and where people will want to live.”