Wirral library inquiry: 'Control should go to another authority'

Jun 10 2009 By Liam Murphy

Wirral library closure protest

Mr Stennard said the closures would still see 99% of people within two miles of a library, or 30 minutes’ travelling time, and the closures would allow for extended opening hours into evenings and weekends.

But he was criticised for this by Alec McFadden, of Merseyside TUC, who said many people would have to get two buses – at a round-trip cost of £8 per person – to get to their nearest library.

Mr McFadden said: "It is interesting the council says it will be 30 minutes to get to a library, but is that by bus, car or helicopter?

"As usual, the council is being vague."

Earlier, Bob McKee, of CILIP, the professional body for library workers, said the council’s library plans had implications for library services, "not just in Wirral but all public authorities facing financial challenges".

He insisted there "seems no logic to the proposed closures".

It was following applause during Mr McKee’s evidence that Ms Charteris asked the public to minimise interruptions, although every speech critical of the plans received loud rounds of applause during the day.

Mr McKee said: "Better services in fewer sites is not necessarily a bad thing as long as it is backed up by careful assessment of local needs and provision.

"Our concern is that the SAR is not complemented by a library review."

Evidence also came from Unison, which represents most public authority workers in Wirral.

Jane Edwards, representing the union, told the inquiry the library closures "will seriously affect the provision of a comprehensive service".

She rejected comparisons with booskhops such as Waterstones, which had been made in the past, and said libraries offer much more services to their users.

Afterwards, Conservative group leader Jeff Green criticised the ruling cabinet for using officers to defend the SAR.

He said: "They seem to want to win at all costs, even hiring a barrister rather than using this as a forum to find out what is best for Wirral."

He said his party remained committed to re-opening libraries which might be closed.

Eastham councillor Phil Gilchrist – the Lib-Dem who criticised his own party’s role in the SAR – continued to attack the closure of Eastham library.

Cllr Gilchrist told the inquiry the decision to shut Eastham was "a cruel and unexpected switch" after many Eastham residents campaigned to save Bromborough library.