{"id":225426,"date":"2025-06-30T01:47:04","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T01:47:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/225426\/"},"modified":"2025-06-30T01:47:04","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T01:47:04","slug":"sunday-snippets-29-june-2025-birkenhead-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/225426\/","title":{"rendered":"Sunday Snippets, 29 June 2025 \u2013 Birkenhead News"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to Sunday Snippets, a weekly feature from Birkenhead News<\/a>. It is a round-up of the important local news stories you may have missed over the last seven days. Click or tap on each story to read the full article.<\/strong><\/p>\n

New council leader orders urgent investigation into Birkenhead town centre works delays<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Wirral\u2019s new council leader has ordered an urgent investigation into what the local authority is doing in Birkenhead town centre.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rock Ferry councillor Paula Basnett was elected as Wirral Council\u2019s leader at the end of May after securing the support of a majority of Labour councillors earlier that month.<\/p>\n

When elected, she promised there would be \u201cno more delays and no more excuses\u201d when it comes to delivering major change.<\/p>\n

Read more\u2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

New Brighton\u2019s wildflower meadow begins to bloom<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Residents spending their evenings strolling along the banks of the Mersey near New Brighton are being treated to a \u2018blooming\u2019 beautiful sight on Magazine Promenade.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As these photos show, it has been transformed in recent works from bare soil to what it is now \u2013 a buzzing wildflower meadow.<\/p>\n

Thanks to support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this site is now one of 81 pollinator-friendly spaces now in place in Wirral, helping to support wildlife and connect people with nature.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Read more\u2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018Thriving\u2019 high street in Heswall facing \u2018inevitable decline\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/strong>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

People feel Heswall\u2019s high street is going downhill because too many shops have closed, according to a local MP.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Heswall in west Wirral currently has a population of around 29,000 and is one of the more affluent areas in Merseyside. Average house prices in the area are around \u00a3430,000 and in March, it had the highest prices for a terraced house in the whole of Wirral.<\/p>\n

Matthew Patrick, the MP for Wirral West, recently raised concerns about the town\u2019s high street following a number of businesses closing and the loss of Halifax, NatWest, Skipton, Barclays, and HSBC.<\/p>\n

Read more\u2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Click Me<\/a> Record turnout for Claire House\u2019s Claire Bear 3K run<\/a><\/strong><\/strong>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Birkenhead Park was filled with laughter and love as 700 people joined the Claire Bear 3K, raising a record-breaking \u00a322,000 for Claire House Children\u2019s Hospice.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The event, which returned for a third year on Sunday, 22 June, saw families come together to remember loved ones, support children in hospice care, and celebrate the lifeline that Claire House provides.<\/p>\n

Children and families ran, some hand in hand, while others scooted or strolled side by side, proudly wearing Claire Bear ears and T-shirts. They received bear-shaped medals as they stepped, toddled or rolled across the finish line, ready to show them off in school this week.<\/p>\n

Read more\u2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Council looking to award \u00a37.2m maintenance contract<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Wirral Council is preparing to award a contract worth up to \u00a37.2m for a firm to carry out emergency repairs and maintenance to its buildings.<\/strong><\/p>\n

At a policy and resources committee meeting later this week, councillors are being asked to approve the search for a contractor to carry out building construction services for the council such as planned preventive maintenance, reactive repairs and emergency repairs.<\/p>\n

This contract will be for an initial two years with the option to extend it for another two with an estimated value of \u00a37.2m<\/p>\n

Read more\u2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Wirral welcomes the Independents Biennial 2025<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Some of Wirral\u2019s most beautiful locations and recognisable landmarks are set to host a major festival of contemporary art this summer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The artist-led Independents Biennial \u2013 which runs concurrently with the Liverpool Biennial \u2013 will showcase the work of almost 300 artists in 120 locations across the Liverpool City Region (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral).<\/p>\n

Brand new works will be popping up in all sorts of places, including Fort Perch Rock, Hilbre Island, Bidston Observatory, Victoria Road in New Brighton, Mersey Ferries, Dibbinsdale Nature Reserve, and Hamilton Square.<\/p>\n

Read more\u2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u00a32.50<\/a> \u00a35<\/a> \u00a310<\/a> \u00a320<\/a> Indian restaurant sees turnaround with new four star rating<\/a><\/strong><\/strong>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

An Indian restaurant has seen a remarkable turnaround, going from a zero food hygiene rating to a four in just two months.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Indian Hive on Poulton Road in Wallasey was given the worst possible rating following two visits by Wirral Council food hygiene inspectors on 24 and 25 April. A Freedom of Information request revealed this was due to a mouse infestation with lots of droppings found by the local authority.<\/p>\n

Wirral Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the restaurant had requested a revisit and a rescore following its rating in April.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Final piece of new Mersey Ferry fitted as funnel lowered into place<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The construction of the first new Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years has reached a significant landmark with the lowering of its funnel.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 14m high Royal Daffodil\u2019s steel structure has now reached completion with officials on target to get the vessel on the River Mersey by next summer.<\/p>\n

Standing 3.6 metres tall and weighing around 2.5 tonnes, the funnel will eventually be painted red in line with the world-famous Mersey Ferries\u2019 traditional red, white, and black colour scheme.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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To send a letter to the editor to be considered for publication, please email news@birkenhead.news<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/a>Hoylake RNLI Coxswain awarded for partnership launch event<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The Coxswain of Hoylake RNLI lifeboat station has been commended as the first ever \u2018Employee of the Month\u2019 in the charity\u2019s Wales, West, & Isle of Man Region.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The accolade recognises Howard \u2018Howie\u2019 Owen\u2019s crucial support in helping to launch a new charitable partnership between the RNLI and a nationwide water delivery and liquid waste disposal business.<\/p>\n

In April, the RNLI officially partnered with Universal Tanker Solutions Ltd. at an event at Hoylake Lifeboat Station, where the company unveiled a brand new RNLI-branded drinking water tanker.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

MP supports government intervention at Wallasey school with \u2018rude\u2019 pupils<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A Wirral MP said she fully supports government intervention at a school after it was slammed for its swearing and \u201crude\u201d pupils in an Ofsted report.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Oldershaw School in Wallasey was\u00a0rated inadequate in four areas and told it required improvement in another<\/a>\u00a0in a scathing indictment by school inspectors at the beginning of April this year. Ofsted said \u201cpupils\u2019 behaviour on the corridors is often boisterous and chaotic\u201d.<\/p>\n

Inspectors said this poor behaviour went unchallenged and \u201cwhen it is challenged, pupils are often confrontational, defiant and, at times, rude,\u201d adding, \u201cThis unacceptable behaviour regularly transfers into classrooms.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Port Sunlight searching for businesses to reawaken \u2018hidden gem\u2019 building<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The Stables building in historic Port Sunlight is one of the few surviving traces of the worker village\u2019s industrial infrastructure and has sat empty for several years, but now Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT) are searching for commercial tenants who can reawaken the \u2018hidden gem\u2019.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Located behind the Gladstone Theatre, the Stables was built in 1894 and originally housed the horses used by Lever Brothers\u2019 soap company that built the famous village.<\/p>\n

It was used as stables for many years before becoming Unilever\u2019s company shop, which then closed in 2021.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Open-air production of Pride & Prejudice at Claremont Farm to raise vital funds for Shelter<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

On Thursday 31 July, award-winning touring theatre company Illyria will perform Jane Austen\u2019s Pride & Prejudice in the outdoor setting of Claremont Farm in Bebington to help raise essential funds for the housing and homelessness charity Shelter.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The performance kicks off at 7pm and funds raised from this enchanting sunset performance will help Shelter\u2019s frontline services to continue providing free and expert help to thousands of people facing homelessness, as well as helping the charity to campaign for lasting change.<\/p>\n

Pauline Cox, Regional Community Fundraiser for Shelter Merseyside, said,\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cThis special outdoor performance of Pride and Prejudice is set to be a spectacular evening. By coming along the community can enjoy a night of theatre in the open air, while helping Shelter to continue to be there for people who don\u2019t have anywhere safe to call home.”<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Overlooked Scooby is still searching for a home after 14 months<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Could Scooby\u2019s luck change after being overlooked and left awaiting his forever home for an unbelievable 14 months?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Scooby arrived at the RSPCA Wirral & Chester Branch back in February 2024. At the time, he was severely emaciated, weak and weighed only 20kg (44lb). His RSPCA rescuer said he was one of the thinnest dogs that she had seen.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, following some veterinary care and TLC at Wirral & Chester Branch Animal Centre in Wallasey he completely transformed and put on weight to become a healthy 38kg (84lb).<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Magenta Living extends specialist extra care service with dedicated accommodation in Wirral\u00a0<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Wirral\u2019s largest affordable housing provider, Magenta Living, has announced the extension of its existing supported housing service with the opening of a fully refurbished block of apartments for specialist extra care scheme on Kingsland Road.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This initiative is designed to meet the growing local demand for high-quality, personalised living service for customers who have a variety of care and support needs, who have been diagnosed with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health conditions.<\/p>\n

The accommodation will provide safe, accessible homes for local people. There is a communal garden and patio area, giving the occupants an opportunity to enjoy this outside space, which is essential to create a sense of wellbeing and improve quality of life for Magenta Living\u2019s newest customers.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lady Gaga tribute with full band coming to Molly\u2019s Chambers<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A Lady Gaga tribute show with a full band is coming to Birkenhead\u2019s iconic Molly\u2019s Chambers on Friday, 11 July.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Born Gaga is the UK\u2019s best full band tribute to Lady Gaga and will be bringing all the big hits in emphatic style at one of Wirral\u2019s most vibrant live music venues. Born Gaga is the brainchild of Nicky W who possesses an amazing voice to reproduce the songs of Lady Gaga with uncanny accuracy.<\/p>\n

Her dedication to detail in every aspect of her performance has led to her becoming the definitive tribute to Lady Gaga.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Wake Up Wallasey welcomes funding boost<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Wirral-based organisation, Wake Up Wallasey, is celebrating after receiving a \u00a33,000 donation from Persimmon Homes North West.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Local councillors Paul Stuart, Kaitlin Stuart, and Tom Laing were on hand recently to formally present the cheque to members of the organisation alongside Persimmon North West Managing Director, Ian Hilliker.<\/p>\n

Based out of St. Paul\u2019s church, Wake up Wallasey is a not-for-profit Christian organisation working to improve the lives of people in Wallasey.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Award-winning Wirral site manager makes it eight in a row<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A site manager has scooped an eighth consecutive \u201cQuality Award\u201d from the National Home Building Council (NHBC).<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ian Palmer, 37, from Birkenhead, won the prestigious Pride in the Job accolade for leading\u00a0Anwyl Homes\u2019\u00a0construction team at\u00a0The Oaks at Rossbank\u00a0in Ellesmere Port.<\/p>\n

One of just 450 winners from around 8,200 entrants across the UK, the award puts Ian in the top 5% of site managers nationally.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

New Merseyrail fraud team could be introduced to catch train fare dodgers<\/a>\"Merseyrail<\/a><\/p>\n

A new \u201cfraud team\u201d could be created to catch people who are finding new ways to dodge fares as Merseyrail looks to further roll out ticketless travel on its network.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Earlier this month, it was confirmed after a lengthy wait, 50 people across the Liverpool City Region became\u00a0the first to get the chance to test a tap-and-go system<\/a>\u00a0to travel.<\/p>\n

The system uses the smartcard to effectively track journeys across the Merseyrail network across a 24-hour period.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Man surprised after unexpected parking fine<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A Wirral man said he was surprised after he was slapped with a fine for parking in a spot he has used for years.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mark Fleming parked up in the historical model village of Port Sunlight on his way to church in what he thought \u201cwas a safe and perfectly legal spot\u201d.<\/p>\n

His usual spot had been taken, so he decided to park in a disused bus stop on Greendale Road, which hadn\u2019t been used for several years.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Adventure Ahoy! Off the Ground Theatre returns with Treasure Island<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

O\ufb00 the Ground Theatre\u00a0returns to venues across the north west, Wales, and Ireland this summer, for their 30th year of touring theatre, with the quintessential pirate tale,\u00a0Treasure\u00a0Island.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Young Jim Hawkins is obsessed with pirates. He idolises them and yearns for adventure at sea. His mother, a former Navy doctor who has dealt with pirates before, is less enamoured with them.<\/p>\n

When hard times befall the family, they are forced on the adventure of a lifetime in search of Captain Flint\u2019s long-lost treasure, in the company of the enigmatic, charming, villainous, and influential Long John Silver and his crew.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Street Angels impacts volunteers and the community in Birkenhead<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

An independent study from the University of Chester has revealed that the Street Angels Birkenhead project brings strong community impact to the public and to those volunteering.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Street Angels Birkenhead was launched in December 2024 by Hitched Communities. It involves local volunteers walking the streets of Birkenhead on weekend nights to offer emotional and practical support to anyone who needs and wants it.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s offering water and first-aid assistance or signposting vulnerable individuals to specialist services. The priority is creating a safer environment at night.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Investment \u2018a real show of confidence\u2019 in Wirral\u2019s maritime industry<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Wirral\u2019s maritime industry is seeing an upsurge with recent investment and a new Mersey ferry built on the banks of the river.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The recent positive news about the\u00a0multimillion-pound investment into the 12 Quays Terminal<\/a>\u00a0has capped a series of improvements locally, including new terminals at\u00a0Seacombe<\/a>\u00a0(completed 2022) and\u00a0Woodside<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 currently ongoing.<\/p>\n

And the first new Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years is being designed and constructed by Birkenhead shipbuilder Cammell Laird \u2013 named the\u00a0Royal Daffodil<\/a>\u00a0it is due to arrive on the water in 2026.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Wallasey takeaway hygiene case adjourned until August<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The business behind a Wirral pizza takeaway has been charged with 15 food hygiene offences, with a further 15 charges brought against a former director.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pizza Plus Shake on 90 Seaview Road in Liscard, Wallasey, has been taken to court by Wirral Council and charged with a number of offences under food hygiene rules.<\/p>\n

15 charges have been brought against Pizza Plus Shake Ltd as well as Muhammad Tayyab Ramy, who was a director of the company until 1 May this year.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

New Brighton RNLI hold garden of reflection opening ceremony<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

On Sunday, 22 June, New\u00a0Brighton RNLI celebrated the opening of their garden of reflection, a new project outside the New Brighton boathouse, created in association with local group New Brighton in Bloom.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A small patch of land outside New Brighton boathouse, previously overgrown and disused, behind the stone and plaque commemorating New Brighton RNLI\u2019s lifesaving record since the station\u2019s inception in 1863, has now been transformed into a tranquil, public space, as a garden of reflection.<\/p>\n

The work was carried out by volunteers from New Brighton RNLI, New Brighton in Bloom, and their friends and families.<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Wirral Council recognised with Ministry of Defence Award<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Wirral Council\u2019s support to the Armed Forces community \u2013 including reservists, veterans, and military families \u2013 has been recognised as exceptional by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which has granted the authority a Silver Award under its Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Brian Kenny, said, \u201cAs we look forward to Armed Forces Day on Saturday, it is fantastic to know that the Council\u2019s efforts to embed supportive employment policies, promote defence values, and advocate for service personnel in the civilian workforce has been recognised by the MOD.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a huge achievement, and I congratulate all those who are helping to make sure that our reservists, and the wider Armed Forces community, get the support and recognition they deserve. I\u2019m proud to say that work is already underway to build on this success, with our ambition to achieve a next-level Gold Award in the coming years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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