Welcome To Wirral

Throughout the development of the plan, a series of newsletters were delivered to residents within the masterplan area detailing issues and updates and keeping residents informed. Two Inter-Agency Seminars were held with local agencies working within the Rock Ferry area from the public, private and voluntary sectors. The main aim was to involve key stakeholders in identifying the prevalent issues in the area in order that solutions can be tailored to target as many local issues as possible.

Over 89% of residents supported proposals for redevelopment of the estate and over 52% of all respondents felt that the option for the most radical redevelopment of the estate would be the most effective proposal in addressing Rock Ferry’s social and physical decline. Ongoing newsletters and residents meetings have continued to keep residents informed. Their support for the Masterplan was demonstrated by their presence at a recent select committee by the Fiveways Residents Group.

Further recent consultation events have included a Fiveways Community Workshop day held in May 2006, which enabled residents to view and comment upon the most up-to-date plans for their area. Also a Wider Consultation event was held on June 6th which gave an opportunity for all stakeholders living within the locality of Fiveways to view the plans and express any comments or concerns they may have had regarding the new development.

In addition to the formal consultation, which has taken place, officers from the Council have been holding monthly surgeries at Community House, which has been well attended by the residents. Also monthly residents meetings have been held (also attended by Council Officers) and are almost exclusively attended by owner-occupiers.

The Fiveways Residents Association recently attended an award ceremony in Liverpool organised via the Merseyside Strictly Regeneration Awards and won an award for their contribution and successful involvement in the regeneration process for their area.

 

Progress

The Council has been making rapid progress in acquiring properties in the area, which are going to be cleared to make sites available for the new development. The properties in Railway Road were cleared in 2003 via Early action Funding and the Council have recently commenced further clearance work in line with the delivery Plan with the demolition of industrial units in Railway Road and Bedford Road. The council is currently in the process of tendering for the procurement of a company to undertake selective demolition, to enable sites to be available for the new development. Over 75% of the properties are now in the Council’s ownership with another 25% either committed or in negotiation. All properties have so far been acquired through negotiation.

For further information contact:

Sharon Morris
Principal Regeneration Officer
0151 691 8237
sharonmorris@wirral.gov.uk