A new low for council

Oct 24 2007 by Sue McCann, Birkenhead News

Our story about Birkenhead Central Library generated a huge response. Here are just some of the letters we received this week.

WIRRAL Borough Council has now excelled itself by deliberately allowing Birkenhead Central Library to reach a point of imminent collapse.

This is a remarkable achievement, even by its own poor standards, but perfectly understandable from a body which seems to regard its primary obligation as one of providing profitable opportunities for retail outlet and residential housing developers, rather than fundamental amenities for the citizens it is supposed to represent.

Let’s put this in context. Predecessors of the current council were able - during one of the worst periods of economic turmoil in the 20th century - to establish a prominent art gallery in the town, together with an elegant central library, and a tunnel under the Mersey connecting the borough with Liverpool.

This was their legacy.

In contrast, today’s incumbents can’t even rouse themselves to prevent the library’s roof falling down.

LESLIE CARTER,

BIRKENHEAD

Find the finances

REGARDING Wirral Council refusing to commit to the future of Birkenhead Library:

I read this with dismay and disbelief.

This building should be preserved and finances found to continue offering this important service to the people of Birkenhead.

MRS ELCOCK,

PRENTON

Wonderful facility

I NOTE that Wirral Council is apparently determined to close the wonderful facility of Birkenhead Central Library as repairs “will cost a six figure sum”.

The monstrous statuary the council is falling over itself to erect at the bottom of the Wirral is also a “six figure sum” - £300,000.

I have no doubt which expenditure will benefit the citizens the most. and common sense would direct this money to the library. But when was common sense a feature of this council?

CHARLES NUNN,

UPTON