A MERSEY MP is calling on her colleagues to support an SOS call to protect Wirral’s cultural heritage by giving the region a greater share of Lottery funding.

Wirral South’s new Labour MP, Alison McGovern, has tabled a Parliamentary motion which calls on the Government to “take steps to support Wirral in preserving its cultural heritage, given the possibility of boosting Wirral’s economy through tourism”.

The early day motion (EDM), co-signed by neighbouring Birkenhead MP Frank Field, aims to draw attention to the “significant” lack of Lottery funding awarded to Wirral over the past five years, specifically in the area of cultural heritage. It also calls for an exhaustive “local list” of historic buildings in Wirral and expresses concern that such a register has not been completed.

The motion claims the failure to compile such a list came despite Wirral Council agreeing to its creation after consulting Wirral History and Heritage Association.

The issue was brought to the fore again recently with the demolition of the non-listed Great Eastern pub, in New Ferry, despite arguments about the building’s place in history.

The early day motion states that, although the North West has received more than £156m in grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund over the past five years, only 0.85% of the regional amount went to Wirral.

Miss McGovern said: “We have a lot to be proud of in Wirral.

“It is vital we protect our cultural landmarks in this period of economic austerity and uncertainty.

“Wirral has always been a progressive and enterprising part of England in this regard – the Lever Brothers’ Victorian ambitions in Port Sunlight created a community with cultural provision for all.

“I want to see the uniqueness of our peninsula get the recognition it deserves. Aside from the obvious economic benefits, we have a duty to invest in our vibrant past to secure its legacy for future generations.”

Tabling an early day motion provides an MP with an opportunity to register an opinion and gather support from other MPs on almost any subject.

Responding to the claim it had still not provided a register of historic buildings, Cllr David Elderton, Wirral’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure, said: “The statutory list of listed buildings is put together and maintained by central Government and English Heritage. Wirral Council is not responsible for completing that register, but does keep copies of all schedules which relate to listed buildings within its boundaries.

“The council has had an initial discussion with Wirral History and Heritage Association to establish whether there is a feasible way of establishing a local, non-statutory list of buildings of interest.

“This is a complex process with a number of legislative implications which would require new policies to be implemented. Unlike buildings which are statutorily listed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, buildings on a local list would not guarantee protection from demolition under planning legislation unless they were in a conservation area.

“A report outlining the pros and cons of a local list will be submitted later this year.”