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Wirral's council leader has openly backed the controversial decision to use basic over bespoke paving for New Ferry's regeneration by pointing out the council's mistakes in Birkenhead.
As reported by the Wirral Globe, Councillor Paula Basnett said she supports the Environment, Climate Emergency, and Transport Committee's decision to opt for a more affordable surface on Bebington Road, regardless of residents and their preference for premium paving.
If you don't know, the decision was made last week at a council meeting. All committee members supported the cheaper option, bar Green Party councillor Jo Bird. Angry residents shouted "shame" and protested at the end of the meeting.
Councillor Basnett posted a video on social media where she explained that overspending and delays to Birkenhead's Grange Road development influenced her decision. Wotsit Street, as it's nicknamed, is the derogatory name given by locals to the giant orange splatters on Grange Road that mark the road, which residents staunchly opposed. She admitted that the development was "not wearing well" six months after it was completed.
The council leader, who was re-elected in May, said regeneration was about "more than just paving". She highlighted wider efforts including improving town centre visitor numbers, tackling litter, and adding new lighting and seating.
She also compared the New Ferry scheme favourably to a similar development on West Kirby promenade, where paving and planters installed three years ago "still look great today".
The £5.2 million New Ferry regeneration aims to restore the town's high street after an explosion ripped through the area in March 2017. Pascal Blasio, who caused the blast in his furniture store for insurance purposes, died in prison earlier this year.
Councillor Basnett said in the video: "Just look at Grange Road: only six months after completion, it is not wearing well. It went well over budget, was badly delayed and caused months of disruption for business and shoppers alike. I don't want that for New Ferry."
She added that the committee's decision "provides a high-quality, durable scheme that can be delivered on time while still including areas of block paving, the butterfly trail, new planters and new benches".
The scheme is also set to deliver new CCTV and lighting to try to address antisocial behaviour, the council claims.
She also promised support for New Ferry beyond its regeneration, pledging to bring in the Barrowman initiative, a localised community improvement plan introduced by Wirral Council for New Ferry.
