Table of Contents
New Ferry traders allege that Wirral Council leader Paula Basnett made a series of promises during a private council meeting. The meeting was aimed at resolving concerns over the town's regeneration plans.
The meeting divided locals as councillors voted for a cheaper design option for improvements to Bebington Road, although 83 percent of respondents preferred the premium option.
This option included cheaper tarmac instead of nicer paving desired by residents. Residents and traders criticised the decision.
Speaking to the Wirral Globe, Green Party campaigner Simon Davies, who spoke at the meeting, said residents deserved more than the “cheapest option”. He argued Option 1, which included features such as planters, seating and butterfly artwork, would provide greater benefits for local businesses.
Simon said he felt the committee had “already made its mind up” despite the consultation results.
Also reported by the Wirral Globe was that a secret meeting was held with councillor Basnett on July 14 to find a compromise between traders and the council.
Reportedly, traders spoke of promises that Basnett made, even some that cannot be executed.
Mr Davies, whose family live and work in New Ferry, spoke of his pride in speaking up for local people.
Following the meeting, council leader Paula Basnett allegedly met with a group of local traders to discuss their concerns. This included meeting to compromise on options for regeneration, including some aspects that were to be included in the premium option. A representative of Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, was also at the meeting.
"This option is the best,” Sam argued. "They’re going to give us the butterfly trail, the planters, the trees and Christmas lights. We’re going to get the benches, even though they won’t be bespoke.”
However, Sam said he wanted the commitments to be confirmed in writing, adding that traders needed reassurance the council would deliver on the promises made.
Cleveland Arms owner Ann Grimes, who has been involved with the Justice for New Ferry group, also attended the meeting. She said she questioned Basnett about whether the redevelopment could include a mixture of tarmac and paving, similar to parts of West Kirby promenade.
Ann said the council leader “undoubtedly said yes”, but questioned whether she had the funding and authority to make changes to the committee’s decision.
Simon also questioned whether the West Kirby comparison was suitable, arguing New Ferry’s high street would face different challenges, including deliveries, HGV traffic and maintenance concerns.
Justin Madders MP said the meeting gave traders and the council the opportunity for “frank and constructive discussion”. He said progress appeared to have been made on several issues and that traders had received assurances the £3.2 million allocated for the scheme would be spent in New Ferry.
Wirral Council said the meeting was arranged to discuss concerns raised by traders, including parking, anti-social behaviour, traffic regulations, ANPR cameras, property improvement grants and public realm improvements.
The council said councillors considered consultation feedback alongside financial, operational and maintenance issues before deciding Option 2 was the most deliverable and sustainable.
