The New Ferry and Port Sunlight Community Fund aims to help organisations running projects in New Ferry or Port Sunlight affected by the devastating gas explosion in 2017

Community organisations in New Ferry and Port Sunlight are being invited to submit applications for one-off grants to fund specific projects in the area.

The New Ferry and Port Sunlight Community Fund aims to help organisations running projects in New Ferry or Port Sunlight. It focuses specifically on projects that support the communities affected by the devastating gas explosion in March 2017.

On a Saturday evening in March 2017, a huge gas explosion ripped through the district, destroying buildings and injuring more than 80 people. The blast could be heard several miles away.

In October 2019, furniture shop owner Pascal Blasio was jailed for 20 years for causing the blast in a botched attempt to claim £50,000 insurance. He had denied being responsible but was convicted by a jury at Liverpool Crown Court.

The details of the fund are as follows:

• Total amount available: £19,000.
• Maximum amount per application: £5,000.
• Deadline for applications: February 21, 2020
• Spend must be completed by: September 30, 2020

The money for this fund comes from remaining amount from the £200,000 hardship fund, agreed by Wirral Council’s cabinet for the support of those most affected by the explosion.

Funds have already been distributed to residents and traders who were directly affected and this initiative aims to offer further financial contribution to the very active social sector within the New Ferry and Port Sunlight community. 

For a conversation about the fund and/or to request an application form (which contains all the aims and criteria of the fund), get in touch with Shannon Kennedy at shannonkennedy@wirral.gov.uk or call 0151 666 3076.