Calls for resignations after u-turn on Wirral library closures

Oct 1 2009 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

Calls for resignation after u-turn on Wirral library closures

“We have therefore decided to advise the Cabinet to revoke the decision to invest in 13 Neighbourhood Centres and to close 11 libraries.

“We are also running out of time to find the £1m savings needed to balance this year’s budget as a consequence of not implementing any closures so far.

“This decision gives us the certainty necessary not just to balance this year’s budget, but to set the budget for future years as well in the best interests of Wirral’s Council Tax payers.

“It will also allow us to reassure staff who have been left in limbo for a long time waiting to hear how they would be affected by any re-organisation.”

But Tory leader Jeff Green – although delighted the libraries would remain open – said he believed the decision was an attempt by the ruling coalition to “cling on to power” following the massive public outcry over the closure plans.

Cllr Green said: “They are out of steam, out of touch and should be out of office.

“They were the ones able to see the secret copy of Sue Charteris’ report. This was their flagship policy which had all the so-called consultation.

“This is a pre-emptive shot. It was clear the way Sue Charteris’ report had been kept from everyone except the leader and other cabinet members that they would face criticism.

“I think this is a way for them to try to cling to office rather than acknowledge they got it wrong.”

Deputy leader of the council, Lib-Dem leader Simon Holbrook, dismissed Cllr Green’s comments as “a mixture of speculation and wishful thinking”.

He said they “still firmly believe that change is needed to ensure the long term future of library services in Wirral.”

Cllr Holbrook added: “It is clear that the library service in Wirral must change and we recognise the need to develop a broad consensus to deliver change.

“Wirral Council faces significant challenges – as do all local authorities across the country, not just for libraries but across the full range of services.

“We already know that between 2011 and 2014 this Council will have to find between £50m and £80m from its annual budget as a result of measures already announced by the Chancellor.”

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