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 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.

The Metro Mayor as matched the funds raised by the charity to support those affected by the explosion, however he 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.

Steve 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 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.”