Wirral South MP makes ‘save our heritage’ plea

Jul 28 2010 by Alan Weston, Heswall News

AN MP is calling on her colleagues to support an SOS call to protect Wirral’s cultural heritage by giving the region a greater share of Lottery funding.

Wirral South’s new Labour MP, Alison McGovern, has tabled a Parliamentary motion which calls on the Government to “take steps to support Wirral in preserving its cultural heritage, given the possibility of boosting Wirral’s economy through tourism”.

The early day motion (EDM), co-signed by neighbouring Birkenhead MP Frank Field, aims to draw attention to the “significant” lack of Lottery funding awarded to Wirral over the past five years, specifically in the area of cultural heritage. It also calls for an exhaustive “local list” of historic buildings in Wirral.

The issue was brought to the fore again recently with the demolition of the non-listed Great Eastern pub, in New Ferry, despite arguments about the building’s place in history.

Miss McGovern said: “We have a lot to be proud of in Wirral.

“It is vital we protect our cultural landmarks in this period of economic austerity and uncertainty.”

Cllr David Elderton, Wirral’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure, said: “The statutory list of listed buildings is put together and maintained by central Government and English Heritage.

“The council has had an initial discussion with Wirral History and Heritage Association to establish whether there is a way of establishing a local, non-statutory list of buildings of interest.”