Ferry branch closed in late July 2016. The only remaining ATM/cash machine was located outside the Post Office on the New Chester Road. Following a campaign during the summer of 2016 by the small, independent businesses, two separate, independent ATM companies have provided cash machines in the main central shopping area that do not charge customers cash withdrawal fees. 2017 explosion At 9:15 pm on 25 March 2017, there was an explosion destroying the large modern building at the junction of the shopping precinct with Boundary Road. Eighty one people were injured on the night, two of them seriously. The building that was destroyed housed a furniture shop, dance studio, charity shop and funeral service but had previously been used by the employment services. Over 200 surrounding buildings, both commercial and residential, were also significantly damaged and residents had to move to temporary accommodation. Businesses directly affected by the blast included DE Griffiths butchers, Ming Yuan beauty parlour, PK McMullen opticians, Lan's House Chinese restaurant, Amelia Jane (florist), the Cleveland Arms and several vacant shop units. The cause of the explosion was investigated by the police, Health and Safety Executive, National Grid and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. In 2019 Pascal Blasio, a business man who leased the furniture shop in the destroyed building, was convicted of causing an explosion to endanger life and dishonestly making a false representation. He was sentenced to 20 years and eight years in jail, to run concurrently. In September 2017, demolition of some of the most badly damaged buildings began. In addition a public consultation promoted by Wirral Council on redevelopment of New Ferry began. In 2020, a regeneration plan was decided by Wirral Council. It was for up to 1000 square metres of retail space and 79 houses or flats. The plan is for the explosion site, an area opposite it where damaged shops and houses had been demolished and also an adjacent large car-park flanked by derelict buildings. In April 2020, Wirral Council applied for funding to regenerate New Ferry from the government's Future High Streets fund. In December 2020 it was announced that New Ferry was provisionally awarded £3.2 million from the government's fund, aimed at recovery from effects of the Covid19 pandemic and regenerate underused town centres. Public houses and clubs The area is home to several pubs including Shillings Bar, The Cleveland Arms and the Wirral Hotel. The John