Update on Merseyside town's future where action on violent and dangerous driving is 'absolutely critical'

This comes as major works are taking place in New Ferry to improve the area following a devastating explosion eight years ago.

On March 25, 2017 at 9.15pm, the Homes in Style store in the middle of the town exploded. A dance studio in the same building had finished a class just a few hours earlier.

The explosion could be heard from miles away and destroyed dozens of buildings in the surrounding area injuring 81 people, two of them seriously.

New homes have now been finished on the explosion site as well as on the other side of Bebington Road while a former car park and Co-Op will be developed in 2026. People have welcomed these new developments after years of scepticism and businesses have started to move back into the area.

Bromborough councillor Jo Bird said the work done to revive the town was “brilliant” as new people move into the flats that have been built on and around the explosion site. She asked for an update on improvements to Bebington Road, the town’s main high street

She added: “It’s just absolutely essential that violent and dangerous driving is addressed in New Ferry. Every day there’s speeding cars down the road and a lot of drivers use it as a road even though it’s very clearly signed pedestrian zone.

“There should be no cars there before 4.30pm when it’s fine for loading and unloading of the local businesses. What assurances can you give me how that traffic is going to be discouraged and slowed right down to make it safe for children using it for the school run?”

In response, chief regeneration officer Rebeccah Lowry said the new design of the road would put people off driving down it, adding “it will not appeal as a straight run through” but vehicles would still be able to access for businesses.

She said the council would be looking at automatic numberplate recognition cameras, similar to a proposal being put forward for Birkenhead after parking issues there. This would see fines issued for drivers breaching the rules.

Cllr Pat Cleary, who represents Birkenhead, said they’d been facing issues of “illegal” and “dangerous” parking in pedestrian areas, adding: “I very much hope we will be able to act swiftly after that to implement measures that will absolutely stop people driving onto pedestrian areas.”

Given Wirral Council expects the bill for major works in the town centre to be as much as £26m, he said: “It’s absolutely critical, otherwise we will end up with a farcical situation which I just can’t really contemplate.”

During the discussion of the council’s regeneration programme, Cllr Paul Martin asked for an update on the Hind Street development and engagement with nearby businesses like Birkenhead Van Hire. Ms Lowry said there was regular dialogue with businesses and sites had been bought as part of the project.