Residents and business owners in New Ferry, Wirral, have launched a crowdfunding campaign to overturn a council decision to proceed with a cheaper regeneration option for Bebington Road, despite overwhelming public support for a more expensive premium design. The campaign has raised £430 of an £800 target as of publication, with funds earmarked for leaflets and banners.
Council Decision Sparks Outrage
On July 19, 2026, Wirral Council's Environment, Climate Emergency, and Transport Committee voted on three options for the pedestrianised shopping area. A public consultation showed that 83% of respondents preferred Option 1, which included bespoke paving tiles similar to those on Birkenhead's Grange Road, along with a 'butterfly trail' and information boards. However, councillors opted for Option 2, a cheaper coloured tarmac design akin to West Kirby's promenade.
The committee's decision led to shouts of 'shame on you' echoing through Wallasey Town Hall. Local ward councillor Jo Bird, who supported the premium option, told the ECHO that residents are "reeling" from the outcome. Bird stated, "We want paving stones not tarmac, we want to bring back the butterflies, and we want to celebrate our culture and our history."
Budget Constraints and Council Justification
A council report revealed that a budget of £5.5 million had been approved for the project. Option 1 was costed at £5.7 million in January 2025, slightly over budget, while Option 2 was costed at £4.5 million. The report noted that costs could change as designs had evolved since costing. Additionally, higher-specification materials were flagged for increased future maintenance and replacement costs, straining council revenue budgets.
Council leader Paula Basnett defended the decision in a video, citing lessons from past mistakes. She noted that Grange Road's tiles "are not wearing well" just six months after installation and that the project "went well over budget, was badly delayed, and caused months of disruption." She contrasted this with West Kirby's surface, which "installed almost three years ago, still look[s] great today."
Community Pushback and Campaign
Sam Jelenski, owner of Lumi Place Community Shop, launched the GoFundMe campaign to finance the fight. He told the ECHO, "Every campaign needs financial backing to print leaflets or banners." Local Green campaigner Tony Norbury argued, "Businesses and the people of New Ferry deserve the very very best. They don't deserve having options put in front of them and then taken away."
Annalisa Allure, a local business owner, questioned, "If we couldn't have that, why put it on the table?" She added that the greater disruption from the premium option "would be worthwhile if we get what we want." Residents have pledged to continue their campaign despite the council's decision.
