Proposed by Councillor Warren Ward

Seconded by Councillor Phil Davies

“Following the devastating explosion in New Ferry, hundreds of Wirral residents and businesses have been affected. Residents’ homes have been destroyed or badly damaged and local businesses have had to close, forcing many local people into unemployment, along with hundreds of residents who were injured, including the tragic case of a 21 year-old man who almost lost his life.

On behalf of the people of New Ferry and Port Sunlight, this Council agrees to write to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and also the Prime Minister to urge the government to provide New Ferry with urgent financial support and to meet with community leaders and residents affected on site in New Ferry for them to see first-hand the absolute devastation caused by the explosion.”

One amendment which had been circulated in advance of the meeting was submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(1) and (9), as follows:

Proposed by Councillor Adam Sykes

Seconded by Councillor Tracey Pilgrim

“Insert after paragraph 1

Council would like to put on record its thanks for the hard work of our officers, led by David Ball, and the community of New Ferry, involved in supporting the area, since the disaster, including those who have organised and donated to the appeals.

Renumbered Paragraph 3, delete all after ‘Prime Minister’ and insert:

with a costed recovery plan as requested by the Secretary of State and extends an invitation to the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister to visit New Ferry and meet with community leaders and residents affected by the devastating explosion on 25 March.

In the meantime, Council will urgently assess whether a formal application for emergency financial assistance under the Bellwin Scheme is required, supported by its reserves held for ‘emergencies and unforeseen circumstances’, and to assess whether individuals affected need assistance from the £770,000 held by the Council for ‘Support and Assistance to Public in Need’.”

Following a debate and Councillor Warren Ward having replied, the amendment was put and lost (24:36) (One abstention).

The motion was put and carried (60:0) (One abstention).

Resolved (60:0) (One abstention) -

Following the devastating explosion in New Ferry, hundreds of Wirral residents and businesses have been affected. Residents’ homes have been destroyed or badly damaged and local businesses have had to close, forcing many local people into unemployment, along with hundreds of residents who were injured, including the tragic case of a 21 year-old man who almost lost his life.

On behalf of the people of New Ferry and Port Sunlight, this Council agrees to write to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and also the Prime Minister to urge the government to provide New Ferry with urgent financial support and to meet with community leaders and residents affected on site in New Ferry for them to see first-hand the absolute devastation caused by the explosion.

The Civic Mayor then adjourned the meeting at 8.35pm whilst members of the public left the gallery.

The Council reconvened at 8.50pm.