Council urges residents to get in touch after New Ferry explosion

Wirral Council are urging residents affected by the explosion in New Ferry to get in touch as they begin the process of starting the recovery process

More than 30 people were injured - 2 seriously - when the huge blast reduced buildings to rubble on Saturday evening

The blast site and immediate area remains a crime scene as Merseyside Police investigate the cause of the explosion.

Around 10 people have been placed in emergency accommodation by the council

Many more left the scene immediately to stay with friends and relatives.

Now the council has made an urgent appeal for those who left the scene without making contact to let them know where they are, so that they can discuss their property and what support they need.

David Ball, Wirral’s Head of Transformation, who is leading the council’s recovery team, said: “Due to the nature of the emergency, many people left the scene quickly and we need to know who they are and where they are now. We would urge them to contact us as soon as they can so we can help them.”

If you are an affected resident and have not yet been in touch with Wirral Council, please call 0151 666 5511 from 9am-5pm, or 0151 677 6557 out of hours.

Additional statement

Wirral Council Leader, Cllr Phil Davies, has issued this statement thanking the community and the emergency responders for their efforts since Saturday:-

“The events of the weekend shocked the whole borough, but especially those living around New Ferry and Port Sunlight. Some of the stories we heard - of the injuries suffered by people close to the scene and of the damage done to people’s homes – were horrific. Our thoughts remain with those injured, their families and all those whose lives have been turned upside down.

“As a council we are continuing to support residents and businesses affected as much as we can as the area begins what is likely to be a lengthy process of recovery and return to a semblance of normality.

“One thing we can say with certainty at this stage is that the response to the emergency has been overwhelming. From the blue-light services, to voluntary groups, to local businesses, elected members and individual members of the community – everyone pulled together over the course of the weekend in a way that makes me so proud of Wirral and I thank you all so much.