Ed Barnes
@edbarnesjourno.bsky.social
Local Democracy Reporter for Wirral at the Liverpool Echo reporting for LDRS partners including BBC Merseyside, Wirral Globe, and Birkenhead News | News Journalism MA at Cardiff Uni. 🏳️🌈 #CardiffTrained
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 10:29 PM
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 8:59 PM
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
'Dismissive' couple found guilty over their 14 barking dogs
One neighbour said the noise had taken over his life
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 7:46 PM
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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...
The latest twist has been welcomed by Wirral Council's leader @PaulaBasnett1, environment chair @lizgrey_ and Conservatives too www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Vegetation to be cleared from beach after community 'civil war'
The beach has caused division in Hoylake for six years
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 7:31 PM
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...
The latest twist has been welcomed by Wirral Council's leader @PaulaBasnett1, environment chair @lizgrey_ and Conservatives too www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Update on new Merseyside park and Birkenhead's burned-out hotel
Progress is being made on various schemes to deliver major change
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 4:51 PM
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Merseyside council to revisit parking charges after legal challenge
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Council to revisit parking charges after legal challenge
One councillor said people would be either "astonished or infuriated"
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Merseyside council to revisit parking charges after legal challenge
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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
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
December 3, 2025 at 11:19 AM
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
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
Reposted by Ed Barnes
Report reveals which former South Yorkshire and West Midlands Police officers would face disciplinary proceedings
13 ex-police officers who would face Hillsborough misconduct cases
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Report reveals which former South Yorkshire and West Midlands Police officers would face disciplinary proceedings
Reposted by Ed Barnes
NEW: Bettison, Duckenfield and all the former police officers who would have gross misconduct cases to answer over Hillsborough disaster
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
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 1:03 PM
NEW: Bettison, Duckenfield and all the former police officers who would have gross misconduct cases to answer over Hillsborough disaster
Reposted by Ed Barnes
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:
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:
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 1:02 PM
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:
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:
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
People told should be proud of Merseyrail for 'fabulous service'
One councillor said: "Why on earth would we want to change this fantastic service?"
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 9:10 AM
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Reposted by Ed Barnes
BREAKING: Paul Doyle trial live as LFC parade accused appears in court www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 10:54 AM
BREAKING: Paul Doyle trial live as LFC parade accused appears in court www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Couple deny dogs 'going berserk' claim as they are taken to court
The couple have been taken to court by Wirral Council
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 9:31 AM
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
'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
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 7:25 PM
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 10:47 AM
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 10:33 AM
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
I can now reveal the Pyramids has lost millions of pounds in value since Wirral Council bought it
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Shopping centre was bought to revive town, now it's lost millions
Wirral Council bought the shopping centres in 2023 for £10.5m
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 4:37 PM
I can now reveal the Pyramids has lost millions of pounds in value since Wirral Council bought it
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Just MINUTES before it starts, people told 'DO NOT' go to Bonfire event
People have been told not to attent tonight's event
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 6:30 PM
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
'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
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 5:57 PM
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Council told to show shopping centre worth after ECHO appeal
Leading councillors previously claimed the £10.5m shopping centre purchase was a success story
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 4:18 PM
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...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Questions being asked about what happened before park set on fire
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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'.
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
October 23, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Questions being asked about what happened before park set on fire
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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...
However the decision has also been criticised by Reform
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
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
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
October 22, 2025 at 10:15 PM
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...
However the decision has also been criticised by Reform
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Two fires set alight weeks before Bonfire Night after ‘misunderstanding’
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
Fires set alight before Bonfire Night after ‘misunderstanding’
The ECHO understands organisers were told their bonfires were too big
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
October 22, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Two fires set alight weeks before Bonfire Night after ‘misunderstanding’
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
People have said they feel trapped on a Merseyside estate due to a “dangerous” parking problem that is only getting worse
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
People 'trapped' in estate due to dangerous problem
There were calls for action before a tragedy occurs
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 10:20 PM
People have said they feel trapped on a Merseyside estate due to a “dangerous” parking problem that is only getting worse
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
One, don't pick up the phone...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
'Finest surviving' Wirral village set to have new rules
The village was founded in 1888 and welcomes thousands of visitors every year
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
September 23, 2025 at 7:20 PM
One, don't pick up the phone...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...