Wirral Council announces dates of special area forums on culture plans

Dec 3 2008 By Lorna Hughes

WIRRAL Council has announced the dates of special area forum conferences for members of the public to share their views on its controversial strategic asset review.

As reported extensively in Wirral News and on www.wirralnews.co.uk, the council wants to close buildings like Birkenhead Central Library, Pacific Road Arts Centre, Guinea Gap Baths.

One single area forum covering the whole of the borough was originally suggested but the council has now decided to hold four from January 5 to 8.

The area forums, all starting at 7pm, will be held at:

January 5: The Lauries Centre, Birkenhead

January 6: Hulme Hall, Port Sunlight

January 7: West Kirby Concourse

January 8: Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton

A council spokesman said: "Holding a special area forum conference in four different locations will give residents the opportunity to share their views on the Strategic Asset Review.

"To make sure that people are kept informed on the proposals we have also published information on our website, www.wirral.gov.uk, which will be updated regularly as the consultation phase progresses and more details become available."

Upton councillor Tom Anderson has criticised plans to hold the forum covering his ward in West Kirby Concourse

He said: "It seems to me that they're trying to make as few people as possible go to it. It's as far away as it could be from the people who will be affected, like those in Woodchurch who use Woodchurch Leisure Centre.

"They don't seem to want consultation, they're just rushing this through."