The 96 to be posthumously awarded the Freedom of Wirral

The 96 men, women and children who lost their lives at Hillsborough will be posthumously awarded the Freedom of Wirral at a special meeting in September

Also that day, the riverside gardens overlooking the Mersey at Wallasey Town Hall will be dedicated to those who died in the tragedy as a permanent memorial

As well as commemorating those who died, the gardens will also serve as a lasting tribute to the courage, dignity and tenacity of the families and their campaign for justice for their loved ones.

Created with the support of The Hillsborough Family Support Group, the gardens will be a place of remembrance and reflection.

Margaret Aspinall, Chair of The Hillsborough Family Support Group said: ‘It is so important that the 96 and the lessons of that terrible day are never forgotten. The freedom of the borough and the memorial garden will provide a lasting reminder for generations to come.”

Announcing the plans, Cllr Phil Davies, Leader, Wirral Council, said: “These gardens will be dedicated to the memory of the 96 men, women and children, who went to a football match and never came home.

“They will also honour all those whose lives were changed forever almost 30 years ago, and salute the heroic struggle for truth, justice and accountability that continues to this day.”

Cllr Ann McLachlan, Mayor of Wirral, said: “It will be a proud and poignant occasion when we gather family members and friends of those affected by the Hillsborough stadium disaster at Wallasey Town Hall.

“Wirral has stood shoulder to shoulder with the Hillsborough families and our neighbours in Liverpool in their campaign. This seems like a fitting time for Wirral to pay this enduring tribute. The 96 will never be forgotten.