Residents of New Ferry remain furious as they accuse the government of not providing the town with adequate aid in the aftermath of the explosion which affected people on the Wirral earlier this year.
Some say that a feeling is growing that the authorities have forgotten about the locals disrupted by the March explosion, with many homes left destroyed and insurers still yet to pay out due to the uncertainty.
The devastation has been now classified as a ‘non-national disaster’, despite the blast injuring more 30 – two seriously – and leaving hundreds homeless. Merseyside Police are still investigating the possible cause.
Ian Walker, a resident of New Ferry and presenter of social media-based programme, ‘The Moaning Bible’, told JMU Journalism: “I am a local lad, and to see such devastation so close up is truly heartbreaking. For this not to be classified as a national emergency it’s totally ludicrous. These are people at the end of the day, not numbers.”
YouTube: Jacob Goldsworthy
Mr Walker wants to spark the government into action by telling of the frustrations felt by many, more than six months on.
Mr Walker added: “There has been £60 million allocated to refurbish Big Ben and yet there are families left without even as much as a place to feel safe and secure. It is utterly shambolic.”
Campaigner for New Ferry, Ann Grimes, said: “The government’s action has been non-existent. It’s a horrific criminal act that has destroyed a community.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Communities and Local Government told JMU Journalism: “Communities Minister Jake Berry visited Wirral in July and reassured Wirral Council about the government’s commitment to long-term investment in the area.
“We remain in contact with Wirral Council and look forward to seeing their Community Regeneration Plan, which we have not yet received. We feel we have taken the explosion seriously, and have responded appropriately and proportionately.”
More campaigns and protests will take place in order to secure funding for the town, with residents hoping a resolution is near.