![\"Regeneration](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1_WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-29-at-160518jpeg.jpg\")
Regeneration works taking place on Europa Boulevard(Image: LDRS)<\/p>\nWirral’s council leader Cllr Paula Basnett feels an external independent investigation is neededRegeneration works taking place on Europa Boulevard(Image: LDRS)<\/p>\n
People told the ECHO<\/a> they were angry and upset after an investigation into a \u00a324m Wirral<\/a> Council scheme revealed it faced problems from the start and things only got worse<\/a>. The council\u2019s leader Cllr Paula Basnett said she felt an external investigation will be needed ahead of a meeting next week.<\/a><\/p>\n Over a year since work started, much of Birkenhead<\/a> town centre is still a building site. Parts of Conway Street are largely finished while sections are more accessible with new paving laid down along long stretches of Grange Road.<\/p>\n However noisy work still continues with barriers still up and people having to take long diversions to get around.<\/p>\n Businesses have previously complained about the impact this has had on trade and Wirral Council<\/a> has made efforts to promote the town centre and direct shoppers around<\/a>. However, the Pram and Toy Centre on Whetstone Lane said they\u2019ll be closing their physical shop due to a drop in footfall.<\/p>\n In a post on Facebook<\/a> the shop, which has been open for 96 years, said: \u201cWe feel it\u2019s the right move at this present time. We hope it\u2019s not forever and one day we plan to return, with what is currently going on around the Birkenhead area, being in business is very difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n Since the publication of the critical investigation report due to the scheme being \u00a312m over budget<\/a>, the public are angry. Rob Keeley said the town centre was \u201can utter mess,\u201d adding he was \u201csaddened by memories of how good it used to be\u201d.<\/p>\n Council partner and Make CIC director Liam Kelly said public realm schemes like the town centre project were \u201crisky and rarely on budget.\u201d Blaming cuts to council budgets by governments over the years, he also said: \u201cThe council is on its knees with internal capacity.\u201d<\/p>\n Though the issues highlighted in the investigation happened under their watch, former regeneration chair Cllr Tony Jones and former council leader Cllr Paul Stuart have not commented on the findings despite being approached by the ECHO<\/a> for comment.<\/p>\n Cllr Paula Basnett, the local authority\u2019s leader since May, has sought to reassure the public steps are now being taken to address issues. She previously said the situation was completely unacceptable.<\/a><\/p>\n She told the ECHO <\/a>restoring public confidence required \u201cchange at the very top of this organisation,\u201d adding: \u201cOversight was weak, financial discipline was lacking, and scrutiny by both officers and members fell far short of what is required.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is not a matter of poor process, it is a fundamental failure of leadership and responsibility. As leader, I will not allow these failings to be brushed aside.\u201d<\/p>\n She said she wanted the council to set out how issues would be addressed, adding she wants to see an independent investigation done outside the council \u201cto provide full assurance that public money is protected and this council has the competence and culture to deliver on its commitments.\u201d<\/p>\n While some people have welcomed this call for an external inquiry, others are more sceptical. Asked if it reassured him at all, one man said: \u201cNot yet, no chance. I will believe it when I see it.\u201d<\/p>\n Pam Etches told the ECHO<\/a>: \u201cI think that is a good idea. It\u2019s like investigating yourself. You need somebody with a broader view.\u201d<\/p>\n While construction work is going on, she said she can\u2019t bring her partner into the town centre due to accessibility issues, adding: \u201cIt\u2019s appalling. I do not come in. I am going to the market for scouse pies for my partner, that is all I come in for. There isn\u2019t any use coming into Birkenhead anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n Wendy Carvell felt the money could have been better spent investing in businesses in the area, telling the ECHO<\/a> she felt sad and upset, adding: \u201cWhen they first built the Pyramids, people would come from Liverpool to shop. We had everything here, loads of people were coming over.\u201d<\/p>\n She said: \u201cIt ripped the heart out of Birkenhead. It was still a nice place to come and do your shopping.\u201d<\/p>\n Like Wendy, Gail Williams, who was born in Birkenhead, remembers the town as \u201cthe place to come to.\u201d Now, she said: \u201cThe money being invested isn\u2019t reflected. People avoid it now.<\/p>\n \u201cThey do not come here. They go to Liverpool now. There\u2019s nothing that reflects what has been paid.\u201d<\/p>\n