A FORMER Co-Op and derelict houses in a Wirral town will soon start being cleared to make way for new homes. The demolition is the start of the second phase of plans to regenerate New Ferry following a devastating explosion seven years ago.

The explosion tore through the town’s high street, destroying businesses and homes, injuring 81 people, making 78 people homeless and leaving 28 businesses closed behind police cordons. Seven businesses were destroyed and never reopened and since then, those who live in the town argue it has continued to see a decline.

Since the explosion, Wirral Council has been working with its partner, the Regenda Group, to develop plans to provide new homes in the town centre alongside funding to improve the high street with work already starting on two other sites. Earlier this year, on April 18, councillors unanimously approved the creation of 43 new affordable homes providing 33 homes and 10 flats off New Chester Road.

Five months later, the local authority’s director of regeneration Marcus Shaw has approved the demolition and clearing of the town’s former Co-Op, derelict homes from 104 to 124 New Chester Road, 43 Grove Street, and the Woodhead Street car park. Just under £400,000 has been given to J.Freeley to carry out the works over 14 weeks which has been welcomed by Bromborough councillor Jo Bird.

A decision notice published by the council said the demolition would move regeneration plans forward, adding: “The disused former Co-Op Store at 100 New Chester Road and properties at 104 – 124 New Chester Road, Public Convenience at Wood Head Street and Premises at 43 Grove Street New Ferry, have been vacant for many years and attract regular vandalism.”

In April, councillors praised the scheme for a new green space looked onto by all the houses in the development, access to the nearby high street, and argued any benefits from the development would outweigh the potential negatives. Concerns the loss of car parking will lead to businesses losing customers continued to be raised with some claims it could be more damaging than the explosion.

However councillors said the new homes would bring new customers and it “will be a positive step forward for the area.” Cllr Kathy Hodson, who grew up in Bromborough, sought to reassure fears about the lost car parking arguing it was a far more enjoyable experience walking to shops. She said: “Car parks do not spend money but residents do. There will be lots of people living in the houses with families who will send little Jonny out to go and get a loaf.

“Please be reassured. I think New Ferry will come up and it will be a nice community area with beautiful homes and a nice park in the middle.”