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Articles by Paul Johnston
All the roads being resurfaced in our area over the next year
The list of roads and pavements that will be improved across West Kirby, Hoylake and Meols has been revealed. It forms part of £7 million of work scheduled to take place across the borough over the next 12 months. They will be funded through grants from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, alongside government funding.
Adults and child rescued by lifeboat around Little Eye
West Kirby RNLI have rescued multiple people in and around Hilbre Island. The lifeboat and Wirral Coastguard were called to reports of people in the water wading to one of the islands, as well as multiple others, including a young child, trapped on Little Eye, on Monday afternoon. An adult and a child were assisted on to the lifeboat and taken ashore for medical checks and warming up at the lifeboat station, while another crew member stayed with the other casualties on the island.
More items to be recycled from April
A greater variety of items will be able to be recycled by residents in Wirral from April. Biscuit tins, aerosol sprays, foil, plastic food pots, tubs and trays and Tetra-Paks will be able to be recycled in the grey bin. However, items such as crisp packets, plastic bags and drinking glasses still cannot be recycled from home.
Woman rescued after becoming trapped in crevice on Hilbre Island
A woman was rescued after falling into a deep crevice on Hilbre Island. Wirral Coastguard say the casualty had been walking near the old lifeboat station on Tuesday afternoon when she slipped on algae-covered rocks and fell into a narrow crevice, becoming stuck. She dropped her phone during the fall and was unable to call for assistance herself – but fortunately another walker nearby heard her shouts for help and raised the alarm.
Teenage boy has bike stolen at knifepoint in Meols
Detectives are appealing for information after a teenage boy had his electric bike stolen at knifepoint in Meols. At around 6.10pm on Friday 27 February, the 13-year-old victim was with friends in Queens Park off Birkenhead Road when he was approached by an unknown male dressed in black, and wearing a balaclava. The suspect made threats and pushed the victim from his bike, causing minor injuries and was also in possession of a machete.
Council to discuss how to oppose carbon capture pipeline under Wirral
Councillors in Wirral are to meet to discuss how to battle a proposal for a carbon capture pipeline which would run under the peninsula and include a maintenance works near Meols. Peak Cluster’s proposal, which is designed to help the cement and lime industries reduce greenhouse gas emissions, would see producers in Derbyshire and Staffordshire each developing facilities at their sites.
Pub illustrations help West Kirby Rotary raise money for homelessness charity
West Kirby Rotary Club has raised £3,000 for homelessness charity, Wirral Ark. The funds were raised through sales of the Club’s 2026 calendar, Peninsula Hubs, featuring original artwork of much‑loved Wirral bars and cafes. They were donated by local artist and past Club President, Tim Sinnott.
20 people rescued from flooded Marine Lake path
Around 20 people had to be rescued from the walkway around the Marine Lake in West Kirby after it flooded. The incident happened yesterday afternoon during a high tide which completely submerged the path. Wirral Coastguard said: “Upon arriving at West Kirby Marine Lake, we found approximately 20 people — some with dogs — walking around the marine lake pathway.
Man jailed for shoplifting and banned from entering stores for five years
A man has been jailed and banned from entering several retail stores in West Kirby and Hoylake after committing multiple shoplifting offences. Kyle Murphy, 37 years, of no fixed address, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Tuesday 17 February and pleaded guilty to eight counts of theft from stores. He was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, issued with a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order and ordered to pay compensation.
Redundancies and a government bailout needed to balance Wirral Council's budget
Wirral Council will make staff redundant and borrow millions of pounds from the government to balance its books for the coming financial year. It is the third time it has had to request a bailout from Whitehall, known as ‘exceptional financial support’. Last December, the council revealed it had a £32 million hole in its finances, but has since delivered savings and identified budget options that have reduced the gap to £6 million.
Campaign against solar farm at 'treasured location'
Opposition is mounting to a proposed solar farm on green belt land in Thurstaston. Chint Solar has announced it wants to build hundreds of panels on 66 acres of land at Rose Cottage on Station Road which would be in use for 35 years, before the site is returned to agriculture. It would be made up of 3.5 metre high solar PV units plus an on-site substation, inverters, transformers and security fencing.
Two people and dog in tide rescue drama
A rescue operation has taken place after two people and a dog were cut off by the incoming tide between Middle and Little Eye in West Kirby. RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat, the Coastguard Rescue Team and helicopter were scrambled on Saturday afternoon. One of the casualties had dialled 999 and stayed on the line with the Coastguard Control Room, providing updates until help arrived. West Kirby Lifeboat recovered both people and their dog onto the lifeboat, and the helicopter was stood down.
New clubhouse pavilion at Caldy Sports Club gets green light
Plans for a new clubhouse at Caldy Sports Club, deemed essential to its future viability, have been given the go-ahead. It will also see the creation of new changing facilities, a community room, alterations to the car park and new storage buildings at the Paton Field site, which is home to Caldy Rugby Club, regularly attracting 1,500 spectators as well as hosting other sports events including cricket and hockey matches.
Vape stores targeted in crime crackdown
Officers working to tackle serious and organised crime have taken part in a multi-agency operation targeting vape and convenience stores across the borough, including West Kirby. The intelligence-led enforcement operation took place on Tuesday 27 January and involved partners from Wirral Trading Standards, British Gas, immigration enforcement and a specialist detection dog team.
Gym founder's dream comes true thanks to West Kirby finance firm
A local entrepreneur has fulfilled her dream of launching a unique hybrid fitness and wellbeing space in Hoylake, after securing a £150,000 loan through West Kirby-based business finance specialists, Bathgate Business Finance. Jennifer Hackett, from Wirral, first developed the concept for Nomad Gym & Wellness during her own fitness journey eight years ago.
Opposition mounts to carbon capture pipeline
Campaigners are mobilising over plans for a carbon capture scheme which could see an underground pipe built through Wirral and a maintenance works constructed near Meols. The proposal, which is designed to help the cement and lime industries reduce greenhouse gas emissions, would see producers in Derbyshire and Staffordshire each developing facilities at their sites.
Drivers caught speeding through Caldy
Almost 50 drivers have been caught speeding through Caldy, in an operation carried out by volunteers and Merseyside Police. Caldy Road Safer Roads Watch say they recorded 49 vehicles travelling at 30mph or more through the 20mph zone on Wednesday. In total they found 36 vehicles travelling at over 30mph, eight at 35mph or more and one travelling at 44mph – more than twice the speed limit.
All change for bus services to and from West Kirby
A new operator is to take over the majority of bus services in Wirral later this year in the biggest shake-up since the mid 1980s. Go-Ahead has been appointed as part of a re-regulation of franchised bus services across Liverpool City Region. The first phase will begin in Wirral in autumn 2026, together with St Helens, before rolling out across the rest of the city region by the end of 2027.
Former sailing club official charged with sexual offences
A former commodore of West Kirby Sailing Club has been charged with sexual offences. Merseyside Police have announced that Adam Whittle from Hoylake is facing two counts of sexual assault on women, alleged to have taken place in 2012 and 2024. Detectives say it follows a “long-running investigation” and relate to incidents which it is claimed occurred at the sailing club site on Sandy Lane in West Kirby. Whittle, aged 40, will appear before Wirral Magistrates Court on Monday 2 March.
School pupils targeted by gang armed with tools
Police are hunting a group of men armed with shovels and tools who chased Hilbre High School pupils in West Kirby. The incident happened after school yesterday afternoon near the cemetery at the bottom of Black Horse Hill, with the pupils chased to Lang Lane. Inspector Sharon Robinson said: “While this incident was not reported to police at the time, we have since become aware and have identified and spoken to a victim and are making enquiries to find the identity of the offenders and the motive.
The carbon capture scheme that could see a maintenance works built near Meols
Plans have been revealed for a carbon capture scheme which could see an underground pipe built through Wirral and a maintenance works constructed near Meols. The proposal, which is designed to help the cement and lime industries reduce greenhouse gas emissions, would see producers in Derbyshire and Staffordshire each developing facilities at their sites.
Hoylake RNLI retain Slater Trophy
Hoylake RNLI successfully defended their title in the annual Boxing Day Tug o’War. With a crowd of around a thousand people cheering them on outside Hoylake Lifeboat Station, the two teams took the strain on the rope before giving it their all to win the competition’s prestigious teapot trophy. After two challenging pulls, Hoylake RNLI emerged victorious and defended their title from last year’s tournament.
West Kirby United scores boost from Operation Payback
Money seized from criminals has boosted West Kirby United Football Club. Operation Payback is a partnership between Merseyside Police and Liverpool Crown Court that turns confiscated cash from drug dealers into funding for local charities and voluntary groups – supporting communities and improving lives. Merseyside Police presented the club with a cheque for £2,297.95 after it was chosen as December’s featured charity.
Our five most read stories of 2025
As another year draws to a close, we’ve been crunching the numbers here at West Kirby Today. We’ve written around 150 stories over the last 12 months, and our website has been visited by 72,000 people. These are the five stories that captured your interest the most, in ascending order.
Wetland restoration project to get under way in 2026
Plans to restore a 24 hectare area of floodplain grazing marsh between Hoylake and Meols will be delivered in 2026. The project, funded by the Environment Agency’s natural flood management programme, will be delivered through a partnership between Cheshire Wildlife Trust and Wirral Council and is described as “the first step in a vision to restore and enhance biodiversity across the wider New Hall Farm site”.
Boxing Day dip set to raise money for charities
The annual West Kirby Boxing Day dip is to take place on the marine lake. Hundreds of people brave the cold at 10am on 26 December each year to raise money for charity. This year those taking part are being asked to donate to West Kirby and Hoylake RNLI and the UTS Foundation, which supports cancer sufferers getting back to normality and a healthy lifestyle. There will be buckets and card machines for people to donate on the day, and organisers are asking for a minimum of £5 per person.
Annual Tug 'oWar at Hoylake Sailing Club
Hoylake RNLI will take on Hoylake Sailing Club in their traditional Boxing Day Tug o’War. It takes place at 12 midday on Friday 26 December outside Hoylake RNLI lifeboat station on North Parade, followed by refreshments in the sailing club. The friendly competition was established in 1972 by Arthur Slater of Hoylake Sailing Club and Hoylake RNLI Coxswain Danny Triggs.
Job losses and cuts in council services loom due to budget hole
Redundancies, a review of bin collections and the transfer of leisure centres are among a raft of options being looked at by Wirral Council as it looks to plug a £32 million hole in its budget. A report prepared for councillors says that the council continues to face significant financial challenges driven by rising demand, inflationary costs, and the long-term impact of reduced Government funding.
Generations of lifesavers receive festive thanks from bereaved family
Dave Whiteley is preparing for his last Christmas on call as Hoylake lifeboat station’s operations manager. Having followed in the footsteps of his own father Tank to join the RNLI, Dave is preparing to hand over his pager after 50 years of dedicated volunteering with the lifesaving charity. Joining him on duty over the festivities will be sons Dan and James and daughter Ros. Recently, the Whiteley’s welcomed some special visitors to the station.
Leaf site set to developed for retail and housing
A planning application has been submitted to convert the former Leaf restaurant in West Kirby into a retail unit, along with the construction of five properties on the site. Leaf closed at the start of the year, with owner Natalie Heywood telling West Kirby Today that she couldn’t see a way back for the venue, partly due to an increase in the national minimum wage. A letting agent listing for the site stated the annual rent was almost £85,000 per year.
Caldy Open Gardens gets Age UK on the road
Caldy Open Gardens has raised more than £40,000 for Age UK. The annual event, organised by The Caldy Society, sees local people throwing open their doors for people to enjoy their outdoor space. The money has been used to buy two wheelchair accessible vehicles, which will be used for the charity’s ‘Home from Hospital’ service.
Marine Lake work essential for 'future viability'
Work on West Kirby marine lake to remove silt could cost more than £6 million.
Gym to close for installation of new equipment
The gym at West Kirby Concourse is to close for a short period to enable the installation of brand new, state-of-the-art equipment. As previously reported by West Kirby Today, existing equipment will be replaced at four sites, including West Kirby, as part of a wider transformation programme. The upgrade will include brand new cardio and strength equipment as well as kit for people with mobility issues.
New report warns West Kirby's high street is 'at a crossroads'
A new report has found there has been a decline in independent retail businesses in West Kirby, and is calling for renewed investment and community-led regeneration. Community group One West Kirby warns that the town’s business landscape is undergoing a period of significant change — with a sharp decline in traditional retail and a rise in service-based businesses between 2022 and 2025.
Grand Designs returns to West Kirby's wooden clad house
Channel 4 series Grand Designs has returned to West Kirby to catch up with a family who transformed their dormer bungalow into a wooden clad house. Presenter Kevin McCloud followed Stuart and Rosie Treasurer in 2016 as they turned their home into a striking piece of modern architecture featuring a floating timber box, designed by Bromilow Architects. At the time, it divided opinion, with some local people interviewed by the show expressing their concern over the structure.
Gym at Concourse to get new equipment but creche to close
Wirral Council is to install new equipment in the gym at West Kirby Concourse. A decision has been taken to take out a three year lease to replace existing equipment at West Kirby and Guinea Gap leisure centres. It has also been revealed that the creche at the centre – which cares for children whilst parents and carers are exercising – is to close, with the area used to expand the gym.
Operator to be brought in to run Wirral Watersports Centre
Wirral Council is to proceed with a search for an outside operator to take over the running of Wirral Watersports Centre at West Kirby marine lake. It follows an eight week public consultation, which the local authority says resulted in around 60 per cent of the 439 people who responded being in favour of the plan.
Railway regulars cut ribbon at reopening
Three longstanding regulars have helped reopen the Railway pub in Meols, following a refurbishment. To celebrate the relaunch, the Railway invited local residents Mike and Carol Cotgrave and Arlene Baker to cut the ribbon marking the pub’s official opening. Mike and Carol have frequented the Railway for over 40 years and their two grandchildren worked behind the bar, while Arlene is a familiar face to locals after dedicating 17 years of her life to working at the pub.
Warning over deep mud on way to Hilbre Island
Wirral Coastguard has issued a warning to people walking to and from Hilbre Island due to changes to sand on the beach. They have revealed that the RNLI in West Kirby has discovered significant changes to the beach topology between Little Eye and Middle Eye following Storm Amy. The area now has softer sand in places and has formed areas of deep mud with the risk of mud entrapment.
Details revealed of Grange Hill Remembrance Sunday service
The Hoylake and District Remembrance Sunday Committee have provided more details on the service, parade and road closures for this year’s event, which takes place on 9 November. Organisers have been working with Wirral Borough Council over the last few months to ensure the century-old tradition of remembrance continues to take place.
Help light up West Kirby's trees for Christmas
West Kirby Christmas Lights are appealing for donations to help replace fairy lights on tree trunks. The bulbs need to be replaced as they have reach the end of their life, but the organisers are still £5,000 short of their target. Chair of West Kirby Christmas Lights, Rachel Kehoe, told us: “The West Kirby Christmas Lights volunteers are working really hard to raise the funds to install the Christmas lights this year.
Fireworks display in aid of RNLI
West Kirby Sailing Club is holding a fireworks display in aid of the RNLI. It is taking place on Saturday 1 November, with refreshments, alcohol and hot food available from 5pm before the display starts at 6pm. Hoylake RNLI said: “It’s time to brighten up those darker evenings and enjoy the spectacle of West Kirby Sailing Club’s fireworks display. “Entry is free and donations are encouraged in support of your local RNLI lifesavers.
Former Hoylake school set to be used for filming
Plans have been submitted to use the former Kingsmead School in Hoylake as a temporary filming location. It would see Watts House, which forms part of the school estate, used from 9 March until 24 April 2026. The application, by Grimster Planning on behalf of the school, explains technical and large production vehicles will be contained within the school grounds. Crew will mainly park at St Catherine and Martina Catholic Church on Birkenhead Road, with a small number on Bertram Drive.
Bid to replace horses with houses in Caldy
Wirral Council has been asked to consider whether planning permission can be applied for to build up to three houses on the site of a horses paddock in the green belt in Caldy. The request for what is known as ‘Permission in Principle’ is for a site on the western side of Telegraph Road between the junctions of Pikes Hey Road and Kings Drive. The application states: “The proposed development seeks Permission in Principle for the construction of up to three dwellinghouses.
New fundraiser for lifeboat charity
A new volunteer fundraising chair has been appointed at Hoylake and West Kirby RNLI to lead activity to support the lifesavers at the two Wirral lifeboat stations. Carron Jones will be taking on the role, coordinating and running charitable collections, souvenir sales, events, donation boxes and a range of other fundraising activity.
The Railway pub closes for refurbishment
The Railway pub in Meols has closed for refurbishment. The Hungry Horse pub, operated by Greene King, is receiving a six figure investment, and will reopen its doors next month when the work is complete. A Greene King spokesperson said: "Planned works include significant upgrades to the pub’s interior with new furniture, carpets and décor to provide a more comfortable dining experience for guests, while the toilets will undergo a full refurbishment to ensure a more modern look.
The Railway pub closes for refurbishment
The Railway pub in Meols has closed for refurbishment. The Hungry Horse pub, operated by Greene King, is receiving a six figure investment, and will reopen its doors next month when the work is complete. A Greene King spokesperson said: “Planned works include significant upgrades to the pub’s interior with new furniture, carpets and décor to provide a more comfortable dining experience for guests, while the toilets will undergo a full refurbishment to ensure a more modern look.
Christmas lights fundraising drive under way
West Kirby Christmas Lights have begun posting fundraising envelopes to homes throughout the town to help pay for this year’s display. This year they need to raise an extra £9,000 to replace the tree trunk lights, on top of their usual costs. A West Kirby Christmas Lights spokesperson said: “Every Christmas, West Kirby, Caldy and Newton come alive with magical festive lights.
Wedding bells for West Kirby RNLI volunteers
Volunteers at West Kirby RNLI recently swapped lifejackets for wedding attire to watch two crew members tie the knot. Trainee crew members Eils and Peter were married last month in front of family and friends, including several fellow RNLI volunteers, on Eils’ home island of Anglesey. Eils has been part of the lifeboat crew for the past two years, with Peter joining as one of the newest recruits over the summer.
Hoylake and Meols set to lose councillor under new ward boundaries
Proposed changes to ward boundaries in Wirral will see Hoylake and Meols represented by two councillors instead of three. It is due to changes which will end the anomaly of the centre of West Kirby being split between two wards. Under the plan, drawn up by the independent Local Government Boundary Commission, it will become part of the West Kirby and Thurstaston ward rather than Hoylake and Meols.
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