Shouts of 'shame on you' erupted at Wallasey Town Hall as Wirral councillors voted against the public's preferred regeneration plan for New Ferry's Bebington Road. Despite 83% of respondents favouring a premium option with bespoke tiles, the council opted for a cheaper alternative using coloured tarmac.
Background: The 2017 Gas Explosion and Aftermath
Nearly a decade after a devastating gas explosion in 2017, caused by Pascal Blasio tampering with a gas valve in his failing furniture store, New Ferry has struggled to recover. The town was further hit by COVID-19 lockdowns and the national decline of high streets. Wirral Council allocated £5.5 million for improvements to Bebington Road, aiming to revitalise the area.
The Three Options and Public Consultation
The council's Environment, Climate Emergency, and Transport Committee reviewed three options. Option one featured bespoke, premium materials similar to Grange Road in Birkenhead. Option two used standard coloured tarmac, akin to West Kirby's promenade. The third option was a basic scheme. A public consultation showed overwhelming support for option one, but the committee's report recommended option two, citing cost and construction time.
Fiery Meeting and Public Outcry
Local residents attended the meeting to advocate for option one. Christopher Lee Power told the committee: 'We are being asked to make a choice. Not between good and bad. But between investing in excellence or accepting compromise. To me, choosing one of the cutback options is like commissioning a beautiful piece of art, then deciding halfway through to finish it with the cheapest materials available.' Mark Anthony Craig, chair of the New Ferry Residents' Association, added: 'The community has spoken. It's New Ferry's turn to have the high quality scheme.'
During the meeting, residents were repeatedly asked to remain quiet as shouts of 'shame' and 'we've waited too long for some painted tarmac' came from the back of the room. Cllr Jo Bird, Green Party councillor for the area, backed the premium option, calling it the 'last piece of the jigsaw' for regeneration. However, Cllr Ann Ainsworth (Labour) raised concerns about disruption to local businesses and fiscal responsibility, stating: 'We do have to be mindful as councillors that every pound we spend is appropriate.'
The Vote and Aftermath
Despite public support and advocacy from some councillors, the committee voted for option two. As residents left the chamber, shouts of 'shame on you' and 'why even have a consultation?' echoed. The approved scheme includes coloured tarmac, new trees, benches, bins, and cycle parking stations, with potential for market stalls.
