New Ferry gas explosion: Redevelopment starts after seven years

A high street destroyed by a gas explosion seven years ago will rise like a phoenix, a councillor has said.

More than 60 properties were destroyed by the explosion in New Ferry in Wirral, in March 2017.

A ground breaking ceremony has taken place at the blast site to formally mark the start of construction after seven years.

There have been delays to regeneration because of funding and legal complications over land ownership.

Labour MP for Wirral South, Alison McGovern said: "We needed new homes and I'm so happy to see working starting."

She said it was "long overdue" and it was a "great day".

Thirty-four homes will eventually be built on the site.

She added: "I am full of memories of the day the blast - I can remember walking round in a panic not knowing what had happened."

More than 60 properties were destroyed by the explosion in March 2017.

Shop owner Pascal Blasio set off the blast in an attempt to claim insurance, injuring 81 people, and he was jailed for 19 years.

The ground breaking ceremony marked the start of the construction of 20 homes, which will be available for affordable rent through a housing association.

The development of these two sides represents the first phase of the New Ferry regeneration scheme.

An application to develop two further sites is currently being considered and a decision is expected by the end of April.

Councillor Tony Jones, chair of the economy and regeneration committee for Wirral Council said: "I look at the work of what has gone on here as one of several phoenixes across Wirral."

Not every resident concurs.

Alison Griffiths told BBC Radio Merseyside: "It has taken too long and look at the state of the place.

"It used to be a buzzing shopping centre. You have to go somewhere else - I can't drive and I can't carry shopping far it's a nightmare."

David Ball, acting head of strategic development and regeneration at Wirral Council, said the area had changed "beyond belief since the blast".

He added: "We have been working tirelessly since then to assemble land for residential development, complex negotiations and compulsory purchase orders."

He said he was pleased this "milestone" of work beginning had finally been reached.

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