Edward L. Barnes Journalist Profile

Articles

Seven areas in Merseyside borough where crime is highest

1 week ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Edward L. Barnes |Ed Barnes

The latest data shows crime has dropped significantly since 2022Seven areas of Wirral see above average crime rates with one area seeing nearly triple the average crime rate across England. Wirral Council published data through its intelligence service gives an insight into how crime varies across the borough. The service takes each council ward and breaks them down by various factors from house prices to benefits claims to crime and antisocial behaviour.
Latest public notices across the Liverpool City Region this week

1 week ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Edward L. Barnes |Ed Barnes

A series of notices have been issuedCouncils across the Liverpool City Region have issued a list of public notices in the past seven days. These are important documents which act as a public record of key decisions in the city region and keep citizens across the local authority areas informed of their council's decision making. From planning applications, to bins, to parking, councils are duty bound to make their decisions available to the public.
'Anyone else thinking of doing this should listen to our warning'

1 week ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Edward L. Barnes |Ed Barnes

The area has been closed for three years despite efforts to reopen it. A community group has issued a warning to anyone thinking of trying to take over something Wirral Council owns as they fight three years on to reopen their much-loved golf course. Brackenwood Golf Course was closed in March 2022 by Wirral Council as part of sweeping budget cuts that year. Since then, its future as a golf course has remained uncertain with a long process to get a successful bid to take it over.
The 'old school' community 'where they welcome strangers'

1 week ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Edward L. Barnes |Ed Barnes

One person said: “It just shows it’s not all bad about the Beechwood. It’s a good community"People said they are feeling really proud of their area as a new development looks to change the way it's often viewed. A new playground has been built on the Beechwood estate in Wirral as part of the Big Local programme.
'When we moved here people pulled faces but it's like another world'

1 week ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Edward L. Barnes |Ed Barnes

People feel an area is looking less neglected as it prepares for major change"I feel we are in a lovely little village where we know everyone. You walk up the street and say hello to everyone. It’s just a vibe.”Aine Taylor and her partner got the keys to their Hamilton Square house in December after moving up from the Isle of Wight.
Work starts as £12m investment for town centre reaches 'milestone'

1 week ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Edward L. Barnes |Ed Barnes

It's hoped the changes will create a more prosperous townWork is set to begin next week to kickstart the regeneration of a Wirral town centre with £12m promised. Wirral Council is promising to invest £12m of government and council funding in the town centre and the demolition of former council offices on Egerton Grove. Liscard was one of 55 projects across the country to get cash in the third round of Levelling Up funding.
Map of Wirral could be redrawn as voting to be affected

1 week ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Edward L. Barnes |Ed Barnes

Changes could be coming to your area which could affect who you can vote forWirral's political map could be redrawn as a review takes place of every area of the borough. This is being done ahead of voters going to the polls in 2027. The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is currently reviewing boundaries in two parts of Merseyside in Wirral and Sefton. This review is to look at whether Wirral still needs 66 councillors, 22 council wards as well as the name for each ward.
Quiet side street becomes talk of the town after what appeared on road

2 weeks ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Edward L. Barnes |Ed Barnes

Most people found the new "stupid" artwork funnyA Merseyside community has had contrasting reactions after graffiti of two penises were daubed across a road. An image of the phallic images was first shared on a community Facebook group for the town of Heswall on the Wirral earlier this week, prompting a flurry of differing responses. The ECHO was able to geolocate the image to Castle Drive near its junction with Feather Lane, a road just outside of the town centre.
New gym to open up on former dock in 'real game changer' for area

2 weeks ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Edward L. Barnes |Ed Barnes

The new gym will be David Lloyd's third facility in MerseysideA new 'state-of-the-art' gym and spa could open up as part of a major ongoing development in Wirral. David Lloyd Leisure, the largest health, fitness and leisure company in Europe, has submitted plans for a new club at Wirral Waters, the major regeneration project for the docks between Birkenhead and Wallasey. If created, the gym would be located on the site of the former Bidston Dock off Wallasey Bridge road.
I went to visit 'incredibly bad and dangerous' road people say is getting worse

2 weeks ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Edward L. Barnes |Ed Barnes

One person said: "It’s disgusting and it’s getting worse"People said a road with massive potholes several feet long is getting worse as the ECHO went to check out whether it was really the worst in Wirral.