Wirral libraries’ fate in balance until September, says MP

Jul 22 2009 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

THE fate of 11 of Wirral’s libraries could hang in the balance until the autumn.

Sue Charteris was due to pass on the findings of her inquiry to new Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Secretary of State, Ben Bradshaw by the end of this month.

But a change at the top of the DCMS – former minister, Andy Burnham ordered the inquiry – and the approaching Parliamentary summer recess could scotch that timetable.

Wirral West MP, Stephen Hesford told the News: “In view of the extension to the Charteris inquiry and the summer recess intervening, unfortunately it now looks as though the decision by the Secretary of State will not be in until September or October.

“But because of this, I’ve written to Ben Bradshaw MP, asking him for a meeting before the announcement so that I can discuss with him what Ms Charteris says.”

Current Health Secretary, Andy Burnham ordered a halt to the library closures in March, at the eleventh hour, prompting the inquiry.