Guinea Gap Baths faces axe in huge Wirral Council spending review

Nov 26 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Wallasey News

guinea gap

GUINEA Gap Baths is facing the axe in a massive review of Wirral Council’s buildings and facilities.

Seacombe and Wallasey Village Libraries have also been earmarked for closure - but Wallasey Central Library on Earlston Library is set to be retained.

The radical proposals are part of the council’s strategic asset review to tackle rising energy costs and a £10m repair bill for ageing buildings.

Other changes in the Wallasey area could include:

l A new “multi-purpose complex” in Liscard town centre, incorporating services currently provided by Seacombe One Stop Shop and Liscard Community Centre

l Another complex in Moreton, incorporating Eastway Community Centre, Moreton Youth Club and Moreton One Stop Shop.

l Leasowe Recreation Centre moving away from council control and becoming a community recreation centre

l Grosvenor Ballroom in Liscard and Vale House in New Brighton managed by the community

The proposals cover all areas of the borough and could also see Pacific Road closed as an arts centre and Birkenhead Central Library closed.

A report by Wirral Council chief executive Steve Maddox states: “Although Guinea Gap (which is part of an area of council-owned prime waterfront on the River Mersey) will close, the council will actively seek to use this extended site to kick start a major Seacombe/Egremont waterfront redevelopment scheme to regenerate one of Wirral’s poorest areas.”

Seacombe councillor Denis Knowles said: “I use Guinea Gap and it’s very close to my heart.

“I don’t want to see any facilities close but if it means we can prevent a large increase in council tax then it would be for the greater good.”

Councillor Steve Foulkes, leader of Wirral Council, said: “If we leave things as they are we will be left with crumbling buildings, mounting repair costs and escalating levels of council tax.”

Wirral Conservative leader Jeff Green said the plans were “disgraceful”.

He added: “Cabinet have put Wirral up for sale and as usual the approach is not about resident or what the young and old need.

“Once again it’s the public that has to pay the price.”

Cabinet members will consider the proposals tomorrow night (Thursday).