We are proud to celebrate five years of Birkenhead News — five years of covering the stories that matter to the people of Wirral. From community events and local politics to grassroots sport and human‑interest stories, our journey has been guided by a simple principle: to report on our community, for our community.
Since we launched, our goal has been to shine a light on stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether it’s a small neighbourhood initiative, a volunteer project, or a council decision affecting local families, we aim to tell the stories that directly touch the lives of people across Wirral.
A community-focused approach
Being independently owned and Wirral-based has allowed us to focus entirely on local priorities. We are not part of a national media group, which gives us the freedom to pursue stories with real impact at a local level.
This independence means we can cover issues that other outlets might consider too small or too niche, from local schools and community groups to smaller sports clubs and cultural events.
We also take our role as watchdog seriously. Holding local authorities and public bodies accountable is at the heart of our mission. At the same time, we celebrate the positive news that reflects the energy and resilience of our community — the volunteers, the small businesses, the artists, and the everyday people who make Wirral what it is.
Growing with the community
Over the past five years, our readership has grown alongside us. We owe a huge thanks to the people who have supported us: those who read, share, tip us off to stories, and sometimes even challenge us to do better. Your involvement is what keeps us connected to the heartbeat of Wirral.
We have also worked to make our coverage accessible and engaging. Beyond our daily reporting, we offer newsletters, encourage readers to submit stories or story ideas, and invite the community to participate in local discussions. Every story we cover is shaped by the people we serve, reflecting real issues, real challenges, and real successes.
Looking forward
The next chapter for Birkenhead News is just beginning. We plan to expand our coverage, bringing more content, highlighting grassroots sport, cultural events, and civic developments, and continuing to provide the hyper-local journalism that has become our hallmark. Our independence remains our greatest strength, allowing us to stay true to our community-first ethos.
As we mark our fifth anniversary, we reflect on what makes local news so vital. In an era when many local newspapers are closing or shrinking, having a dedicated voice for Wirral is more important than ever. Local journalism not only informs, it connects communities, holds power to account, and celebrates the people who often go unnoticed.
So here’s to five years of Birkenhead News, and to the many more ahead. Thank you for being part of our journey, for supporting local journalism, and for helping us tell the stories that matter to you.
A few standout stories
In five years, we’ve covered a wide range of important stories — some big, some quietly transformational, all grounded in Wirral. Here are just a few that reflect our approach:
The construction of the West Kirby sea wall became a major local concern.
Our coverage included interviews with residents, campaigners, and environmental groups, highlighting the importance of local engagement in decisions affecting our coastline. This story showcased how community action and awareness can influence public projects and protect our shared spaces.
A major regeneration push for Birkenhead
The Hind Street Urban Village project – part of Birkenhead’s future‑looking transformation – saw headline‑making investment: some £52 million has been secured to remediate and prepare a 65‑acre site for up to 1,600 new homes, new park space, and transport links.
The heart of Birkenhead’s market in flux
The story of Birkenhead Market, and whether it should move to the former Argos building on Princes Pavement, stirred significant reaction from traders and residents.
Our reporting sought to capture the voices of local traders worried about relocation, and the implications for Birkenhead as a market town. It’s the sort of story where local nuance matters.
Celebrating local culture and creativity
We were proud to highlight the landmark decision to grant listing status to Ron’s Place — a unique flat in Birkenhead transformed by the late Ron Gittins into a striking work of outsider art, now officially Grade II‑listed.
Thank you
To every reader, contributor, tip‑giver, advertiser, and supporter — thank you. Your engagement is what keeps this endeavour alive. Five years in, we’re more committed than ever to being Wirral’s news service.
Here’s to you – without you, we wouldn’t have the stories that matter – keep them coming!
And here’s to many more years of telling our stories, championing our communities, and keeping Wirral informed.
Thank you,
The Birkenhead News team
Image: https://depositphotos.com/
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