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Ed Barnes

@edbarnesjourno.bsky.social
1.2K followers 246 following 533 posts

Local Democracy Reporter for Oldham and Stockport reporting for the MEN and other LDRS partners | Previously Wirral | News Journalism MA at Cardiff Uni. #CardiffTrained

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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Some Green proposals announced today could cost £2.7bn but the party say their plan is fully funded. There is also a £3 a night charge floated for anyone staying overnight in Greater Manchester to fund buses www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater...
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
£20m Greater Manchester visitor levy 'would make no difference'
Some Green proposals announced today on July 9 could cost £2.7bn but the party say their plan is fully funded
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Reform's Sian Astley said those worried about immigration are not ‘nasty people or rampant racists’ and hit back against an accusation her party had an ‘agenda of hatred and division’ www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater...
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Reform's Sian Astley says people worried about immigration are not 'racists'
Sian Astley said those worried about immigration are not ‘nasty people or rampant racists’ and hit back against an accusation her party had an ‘agenda of hatred and division’
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
The @manchestereveningnews.co.uk hustings for the Manchester Mayoral election in full, the first major hustings of the race www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlNB...
youtube.com
IN FULL: FIERY Manchester mayor hustings as Labour and Reform CLASH in tight race
YouTube video by Manchester Evening News
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
'Evil' Rochdale grooming gang leader set to be released from prison this week www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater...
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
'Evil' Rochdale grooming gang leader set to be released from prison this week
Shabir Ahmed, 73, was known to his victims as 'Daddy'
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
A celebration until 5am, a victorious rally for change, a likely nap, and a run – this time from reporters. All of that will likely make up Andy Burnham’s first day as the MP for Makerfield www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater...
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A 5am party and running from reporters - Burnham's 1st day as MP
With Sir Keir Starmer promising to fight any challenge, the gloves might be about to come off as Burnham allies warn of 'chaotic' and 'brutal' fight
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Andy Burnham & Robert Kenyon CLASH over immigration and women’s rights ahead of CRUCIAL by-election youtu.be/sq8Ln4l3HFY
youtu.be
IN FULL: Andy Burnham and Robert Kenyon go HEAD TO HEAD in the BATTLE for Makerfield by-election
YouTube video by Manchester Evening News
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
So today is my first day at @manchestereveningnews.co.uk and I'm looking to get stuck in with all things #Oldham and #Stockport as I cover @oldhamcouncil.bsky.social and @stockportcouncil.bsky.social Get in touch or email with any tips for stories at edward.barnes@reachplc.com
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
“I can’t pay for everything. You have to think about what you pay every month to keep the wolf from your door. It’s not living, it’s trying to exist" As council tax goes up in Wirral tomorrow, I hit the streets yesterday to find out what people think www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
People worry about 'wolf at the door' as man says 'I'd be bankrupt'
One woman said: "Over the last two years you are working hard and you can’t even pay your bills.”
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
A little life update as all good things must come to an end. After 3.5 years working with the fabulous team at @liverpoolecho.co.uk, it is time to move on. However I am incredibly excited and looking forward to join @manchestereveningnews.co.uk covering Oldham and Stockport at the beginning of May!
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
The boss of a Wirral memorial business banned from working in cemeteries has been accused of leaving grieving families in tears, misleading customers, and “destroying a company name”. Thomas Smith denies the accusations against him Full story: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Mum says banned headstone firm is 'playing with people's grief'
Barbara Thomas paid for her son's headstone to be repaired but said she struggled to get updates for Mackie Memorials
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
A man who ran one of Wirral’s oldest businesses until it closed said he has nothing to do with Mackie Memorials, a business that has been suspended from operating in Wirral's cemeteries. www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Dad behind Wirral's oldest headstone business speaks out
Allen Roberts said his family closed E.F. Mackie Limited to preserve the Mackie name and its good reputation
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Mystery solved in Wirral village after complaints www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Mystery solved in village after complaints
One person said they "have no idea what it is" as "nobody's ever told us"
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
A “racially abusive” neighbour who “intimidated” others has been banned from a Birkenhead property for three months. Wirral Council said those living in the area had also complained of alleged “indecent exposure”. www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Neighbour 'exposed themselves' and made those near them 'suffer'
Action was taken against the person living in Birkenhead following complaints from 'intimidated' neighbours
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
New charges for 22 car parks across Wirral, which are currently free, have been delayed. Deputy council leader Cllr Julie McManus said there needed to be a further review as a 2023 parking policy might no longer be fit for purpose. www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Wirral makes decision over future of 22 car parks after plea
The changes would have seen charges come in for car parks in Bromborough, Heswall, and New Brighton.
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Reposted by Ed Barnes
Liverpool ECHO @liverpoolecho.co.uk · 10/03/2026
BREAKING: Joey Barton charged with attack www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Joey Barton charged with attack near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club
Former Manchester City footballer Barton and another man were charged in connection with the alleged assault
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
People pushing £5bn plans right through the Wirral have been told to “take your pipe and stuff it wherever you like”. www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
'You can take your £5bn pipe and stuff it wherever you like'
One Wirral councillor said they are with the public and "completely and utterly against this nonsense.”
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
BREAKING: Merseyside's "oldest memorial and headstone business" has been banned from Wirral's cemeteries after operating for 138 years www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Headstone makers 'banned' as customers told 'call police'
The firm, which has existed for 138 years, has now been banned from Wirral cemeteries
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Reposted by Ed Barnes
Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Exclusive: Nelson Shardey was made a British citizen today. He told me he now feels a weight has been lifted off his shoulders and he is “free like a bird” The “local legend” saw thousands come to his aid in 2024 in his fight against the Home Office www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Dad whose life was turned upside down is now 'free like a bird'
After the ECHO broke the news in 2024, thousands came out to support "local legend" Nelson Shardey
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Covering for one of my colleagues, I dipped my toe into politics over the water making my way up to Bootle to see what Sefton Council were up to as they set their budget www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Leader slams 'absurd nonsense' Ebay claims as council tax goes up
The council faced a £29m budget gap this year
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Exclusive: Nelson Shardey was made a British citizen today. He told me he now feels a weight has been lifted off his shoulders and he is “free like a bird” The “local legend” saw thousands come to his aid in 2024 in his fight against the Home Office www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Dad whose life was turned upside down is now 'free like a bird'
After the ECHO broke the news in 2024, thousands came out to support "local legend" Nelson Shardey
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Top financial bosses have laid out the grim reality if Wirral declared bankruptcy but this now looks unlikely as four parties in Wirral move forward a balanced budget The Greens labelled it cruel and even suggested asking for a bigger bailout to avoid cuts www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Council bankruptcy warning after authority 'over water charged fortune'
Reform councillor Kathy Hodson said the council’s back was “against the wall” and needed to make difficult decisions
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Councillors are pushing for an emergency debate over plans to put a 200km pipe through Wirral www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Calls for emergency meeting over 'upsetting' 200km pipe
One councillor said: "We need to act now basically”
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
A former council staff member may have been promoted to a top role despite not being qualified for the job, a new report suggests. Marcus Shaw was appointed as Wirral Council’s interim regeneration director in 2024 but left in August 2025 www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
£122k council boss may not have been up to job, but got it anyway
Concerns were also raised about the process of appointing the council's top boss
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
A Merseyside council has seen a £63m loss in value related to two new office buildings. The massive loss is one of the many things revealed in a critical report into the local authority’s finances www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Offices worth £63m less than what council thought they would be
The development has been criticised by some, but there are hopes a new tenant could be moving in soon.
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
A Merseyside council has been given four legal orders amid warnings the authority is heading towards financial crisis. Independent inspectors also said they’d been told Wirral Council is “an unpleasant place to work” with “a toxic atmosphere” www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Four legal orders given to council heading towards financial crisis
Independent inspectors also described "a toxic atmosphere" and "an unpleasant place to work in", something the council rejected
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Government promises to write off £55m of council's debt www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Government promises to write off £55m of council's debt
Birkenhead MP and government minister Alison McGovern said the move was part of a package to “put local government back on its feet”
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Leaked emails show council leader told off over 'conflict' by boss www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Leaked emails show council leader told off over 'conflict'
The leaked emails were sent in the run up to the decision to award £4.5m towards a museum
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Just posting to say I’m not due to be back in work until January 19. Any stories in the meantime, please pass onto my brilliant colleagues at the Echo. Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year!
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
One interesting aside from tonight's meeting is a driver's comment he thought a council officer had died. For the full story why... www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Taxi fares to rise and driver says 'I thought you died'
The area was told it could have no drivers left as people move to Uber and private hire
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
A “rogue builder” who “charmed” a family with promises to renovate their home has been convicted of fraud and ordered to pay thousands of pounds. One of his victims told a Liverpool court she had been pushed into a state of depression by the situation www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
He charmed family to get £2,000 but then became 'rogue nightmare'
Michael Wood was sentenced today after pleading guilty to five charges under fraud laws and regulations to protect consumers from unfair trading
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
A married couple have been found guilty after the noise from their barking dogs “took over” their neighbours’ lives. Stephen and Layla McGuigan have been told to pay more than £7,000 in total following complaints over their 14 dogs www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
'Dismissive' couple found guilty over their 14 barking dogs
One neighbour said the noise had taken over his life
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
ICYMI the council has taken a major step forward on Hoylake Beach with some plants set to be cleared next year. The latest twist has been welcomed by Wirral Council's leader @PaulaBasnett1, environment chair @lizgrey_ and Conservatives too www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Vegetation to be cleared from beach after community 'civil war'
The beach has caused division in Hoylake for six years
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Wirral Council is in talks over the future of the burned-out Central Hotel in Birkenhead and an update has been given on the new Dock Branch Park. The latest on regeneration from the council www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Update on new Merseyside park and Birkenhead's burned-out hotel
Progress is being made on various schemes to deliver major change
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Merseyside council to revisit parking charges after legal challenge www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Council to revisit parking charges after legal challenge
One councillor said people would be either "astonished or infuriated"
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
It’s been two years since I last attempted to get around the Wirral on a bus. Why am I doing this you may ask? Well the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will be looking to bring buses back under public control in 2026. So I decided to get first hand experience and see what people think
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Reposted by Ed Barnes
Liverpool ECHO @liverpoolecho.co.uk · 02/12/2025
Report reveals which former South Yorkshire and West Midlands Police officers would face disciplinary proceedings
liverpoolecho.co.uk
13 ex-police officers who would face Hillsborough misconduct cases
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Reposted by Ed Barnes
Liam Thorp @liamthorp.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
NEW: Bettison, Duckenfield and all the former police officers who would have gross misconduct cases to answer over Hillsborough disaster
liverpoolecho.co.uk
13 ex-police officers who would face Hillsborough misconduct cases
Report reveals which former South Yorkshire and West Midlands Police officers would face disciplinary proceedings
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Reposted by Ed Barnes
Liam Thorp @liamthorp.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
BREAKING: New police cover up details surrounding Hillsborough disaster revealed in major new investigation Landmark report confirms appalling actions of police officers from two forces before, during and after 1989 tragedy led to the unlawful killing of 97 Liverpool fans Full story:
liverpoolecho.co.uk
New police cover up details over Hillsborough disaster exposed
Landmark new report confirms appalling actions of police officers from two forces before, during and after 1989 tragedy led to the unlawful killing of 97 Liverpool fans and subsequent attempts to blam...
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
People have been told they should be proud of the “extraordinary”, “wonderful”, and “fabulous service” Merseyrail provides. Conservatives last night pointed to high reliability and customer satisfaction data when arguing against public ownership www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
People told should be proud of Merseyrail for 'fabulous service'
One councillor said: "Why on earth would we want to change this fantastic service?"
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Reposted by Ed Barnes
Liverpool ECHO @liverpoolecho.co.uk · 25/11/2025
BREAKING: Paul Doyle trial live as LFC parade accused appears in court www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Paul Doyle trial live as LFC parade accused appears in court
More than 100 pedestrians, aged between six months and 78, were injured when a car collided with fans in Liverpool city centre
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
A married couple have been accused of letting their dogs “go berserk” by neighbours who said the situation has become “horrible." Stephen and Layla McGuigan deny they breached a noise abatement notice and suggested it may have been other dogs in the area www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Couple deny dogs 'going berserk' claim as they are taken to court
The couple have been taken to court by Wirral Council
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
A “toxic” and “broken” system from the top down ignored red flags and led to major failures that have now trashed a Merseyside council’s reputation, a critical review finds www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
'Toxic' and 'broken' system found at 'failing' Merseyside council
The council's plans were described as being like 'spaghetti' while councillors were told they needed a reality check though current leadership was praised
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
This week could be a crossroads for Wirral Council as a critical review of regeneration projects is expected to be published. Here's some analysis from me about the key challenges that lie ahead as the local authority looks to move on www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
With £150m in the bank, the big test for Wirral is what is next
With a major review being published this week, reporter Ed Barnes looks at what comes next
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
A Merseyside council faces an estimated £20m black hole in its budget next year and could be forced to request another government. Despite the challenges, Leader Cllr Paula Basnett said she was working with all parties to fix Wirral Council's finances www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
I can now reveal the Pyramids has lost millions of pounds in value since Wirral Council bought it www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Shopping centre was bought to revive town, now it's lost millions
Wirral Council bought the shopping centres in 2023 for £10.5m
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
People are being told not to turn up to a popular Bonfire Night event in Merseyside after the bonfire was built too big www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Just MINUTES before it starts, people told 'DO NOT' go to Bonfire event
People have been told not to attent tonight's event
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
A dad with a newborn baby fears he may end up on the streets after receiving a “scary” warning from his landlord. Jon Finch feels he has put his head on the chopping block after volunteering to organise a community bonfire www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
'All I wanted was a bonfire; now I could end up on the street'
Jon Finch said he felt like he had let his community down after receiving a warning letter from his social landlord
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
A council that bought two shopping centres in Birkenhead for £10.5m has been ordered to reveal how much they are worth following an appeal by @liverpoolecho.co.uk www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Council told to show shopping centre worth after ECHO appeal
Leading councillors previously claimed the £10.5m shopping centre purchase was a success story
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Questions being asked about what happened before park set on fire www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Questions being asked about what happened before park set on fire
Wirral Council's deputy leader Cllr Julie McManus said the community 'has tried to do everything right'.
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Ed Barnes @edbarnesjourno.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
There's been a lot of anger over this but the Upton British Legion Branch told me they understood Wirral Council's position and urged people to go to events in Hamilton Square and across Wirral However the decision has also been criticised by Reform www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Reason village Remembrance service cancelled amid Facebook anger
People have reacted to the news with anger but the event's organisers said they understood the council's position
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