Date set for inquiry into Wirral’s library closure plans

May 7 2009 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

THE inquiry into controversial plans to close 11 of Wirral’s 24 libraries is to be held on June 9.

Former London borough chief executive Sue Charteris was appointed last week by Culture Minister Andy Burnham to carry out the inquiry.

It follows months of protests, following the announcement last year by Wirral Council of its Strategic Asset Review to save £3m by closing libraries and transferring other cultural assets out of council hands.

In a letter sent to all 66 of Wirral’s councillors this week, Ms Charteris said: “It will not be possible for me to meet everyone who has a view or to respond to individual requests.”

But she said she wants “to ensure that the inquiry runs as smoothly and fairly as possible” and urged councillors to “seek to channel and represent the views of your constituency”.

Her letter also outlines plans for site visits on May 21 and 22, as well as meetings with community leaders including MPs and councillors, key partner organisations such as the NHS, as well as council officers, leaders, library managers, library staff and unions.