Wirral moving forward: delivering progress residents can see

In my latest blog, rather than focus on a single issue, I wanted to take a step back and reflect on the progress we have seen across Wirral during July. 

Across the borough, we are seeing plans turn into action, investment being delivered and positive change taking place in our communities. I know residents want to see tangible change. They want to know that the council is focused on the things that matter to them, like cleaner neighbourhoods, better services, more homes, stronger communities, good parks and open spaces, more job opportunities, and real confidence in the future. 

And while there is always more to do, July saw real progress, with lots of examples of Wirral moving forward. 

After a lot of preparation work, the first phase of our food waste collection service has started, which is an important step in reducing waste, increasing recycling and saving money. I want to thank residents in the areas that have already started for getting involved and helping to get us off to a great start. In the first week alone, around 50 tonnes of food waste were collected, with participation estimated at around 60%. 

There has also been important progress on the future direction of the borough. The emerging Wirral Plan 2027 to 2031 marks a new chapter for Wirral, setting out our priorities and ambitions for the years ahead. Plans are important, but only if they lead to action. For me, the real test is whether residents can see and feel the difference in their own communities, and that is why delivery must remain our focus. 

We have also continued to see progress across regeneration and investment. 

At Wirral Waters, progress continues to accelerate. The areas first convenience store has just opened, providing a much-needed facility for local residents and business and creating jobs for local people. Work has started on 90 new waterside homes, preparatory groundwork continues for a new David Lloyd Club and a pipeline of other new investment, including the Mea Park West development demonstrating that the borough is open for business. These developments matter because they show confidence in Wirral and are evidence that regeneration plans are moving from vision to reality. 

We have also seen a major construction milestone at the new Mosslands School, which is a solid example of investment in the future of our children and young people. Good quality learning environments are about more than just the building itself, they support aspiration, opportunity and pride in place. 

Good housing continues to be a priority. Proposals linked to the new Strategic Land Disposal Framework have been brought forward to help accelerate the delivery of affordable housing. We know the demand for quality, affordable homes are significant, so we are using all of the tools available to us to support its delivery. This includes looking carefully at how council-owned land can help unlock the development of new homes and support wider regeneration. 

Another area where we have seen progress is in our parks and green spaces. Wirral has once again been recognised among the best in the North-West, achieving 37 Green Flag Award successes in 2026. This is more than any other local authority in the region, and is a real tribute to the staff, volunteers and communities who work so hard to care for these much-loved spaces.  

Supporting children, young people and families has also been a priority. As the school holidays begin, we have introduced free swimming for young people throughout August at our council leisure centres. The scheme is designed to help families with cost-of-living pressures while giving children and young people the opportunity to stay active, socialise and enjoy healthy activities over the summer break. It is a simple example of how we can provide practical support for residents while encouraging healthier lifestyles and making the most of the excellent leisure facilities we have across the borough.   

July also brought positive news for sport, tourism and the visitor economy, with a new agreement between Liverpool City Region leaders and golf’s governing body, The R&A, to host The Open at least three times over the next 25 years. This is a significant opportunity for Wirral, building on our reputation as a proven world-class golf destination and helping to attract visitors, support local businesses and maximise the wider economic and community benefits that major sporting events can bring. 

Taken together, these updates tell a bigger story. 

They show environmental change through food waste collections. They show regeneration progress. They show investment in education at Mosslands. They show action on housing. They show pride in our parks and green spaces. They show practical support for families through initiatives such as free swimming for young people. They show ambition for sport, tourism and the visitor economy. 

Of course, I will not pretend everything is easy. The council continues to face big financial pressures, rising demand for services, and difficult decisions. We still have work to do to improve service delivery, strengthen confidence and make sure we build on and accelerate the progress we are seeing across the borough. 

But it is also important that we recognise delivery when it is happening. 

Residents deserve honesty about the challenges, but they should also be able to see the difference being made. Across the borough, work is happening, investment is being delivered, services are evolving and Wirral's future is taking shape.  

For me, the message this month is simple: Wirral is moving forward.