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Liverpool City Region
Combined Authority pledges £20,000 for New Ferry disaster relief fund
THE Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has pledged ₤20,000 for the
disaster relief fund set up in the wake of the New Ferry gas explosion.
The donation, which was initiated by the Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram after
visiting the site with Wirral South MP Alison McGovern, Wirral Council leader
Phil Davies and Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry, will contribute to the
emergency fund created by local charity New Beginnings.
Metro Mayor Rotheram has matched the funds raised by the charity to support
those affected by the explosion.
However Mr Rotheram has insisted that the donation is only aimed to provide
short term relief and more long term, strategic help is required.
Speaking about the donation, Steve Rotheram said:- "The Combined Authority
is making a ₤20,000 donation; which matches the amount raised so far by the New
Beginnings charity that was set up to help those affected. This is nothing to do
with the long term needs of the area; it is just to provide some immediate
relief. We are looking at what steps we can take to deal with the human impact
of the New Ferry explosion, but also to look at the longer term redevelopment of
the whole area. I have also given my own pledge to local residents that this
will not be the forgotten disaster."
Wirral Council are currently working up a masterplan for the regeneration of New
Ferry which will be completed in the next couple of weeks. Mr Rotheram is
hopeful that the Government will take the New Ferry case seriously and take
action. He added:- "From speaking to residents in New Ferry, the
frustration is palpable and people feel that much more needs to be done. We had
an extremely constructive meeting and visit with the Minister Jake Berry
yesterday. He outlined his intention to take the New Ferry case back to
Westminster so the Government can see how best to respond to the immediate
requirements of businesses and residents affected but also to support the
delivery of the forthcoming masterplan."
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