Regeneration chief 'off work' after inquiry launch

A council chief is "absent from work until further notice" as an urgent inquiry into a town centre regeneration scheme continues.

Director of regeneration Marcus Shaw is in charge of Wirral Council's major plans to revive parts of the borough like Birkenhead and to build thousands of homes.

News of Mr Shaw's absence was shared with councillors on the same day that council leader Paula Basnett said further investigation was required into Birkenhead's generation scheme.

Wirral Council and Marcus Shaw have been approached for comment.

Basnett announced the urgent investigation into the scheme last week, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The scope of the inquiry has not been revealed, but deputy council leader Julie McManus previously suggested it would look into what was happening with council projects, why there were delays, and any further costs as a result.

In the latest update, Basnett said: "Following an initial review into the Birkenhead Town Centre project, it has been determined that this matter needs to be further investigated and, as a precautionary move, we have taken steps to make changes in this area while the review takes place."

She said the authority's regeneration programme continued to move forward on key projects.

She added: "When I became leader of Wirral Council I promised a fresh start, drawing a line under what had gone before and moving forward with pace and purpose."

She said she was clear she would take the necessary action to make sure the considerable sums of public money the authority had been entrusted with were spent properly.

Basnett announced a review of regeneration projects when elected leader, saying this would "establish where we need to focus to make sure we get a grip".

Currently, hoardings are up across Grange Road, Charing Cross, Conway Street, and Europa Boulevard in Birkenhead.

Neighbourhoods director Jason Gooding, who is acting chief executive while Paul Satoor is currently away from his role, said he "will share further information when I am able to".

Mr Gooding said he would be covering the role alongside legal director Jill Travers and finance director Matthew Bennett.

Mr Shaw joined the council as assistant director of asset management and investment in March 2023.

He became the interim director of regeneration following the sudden departure of Marc Cole in 2024 before being appointed on a permanent basis in March.

The regeneration director was the fifth to be appointed since long-term figure Alan Evans left the role in 2022.

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