Closure-threatened libraries stay open - special report

Oct 7 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

Wirral libraries protestor

How it unfolded:

November 25, 2008: Wirral Council announces libraries are to close as part of its radical Strategic Asset Review (SAR).

January 5-8, 2009: Council leaders face an angry public at four special area forums

January 15: Eastham and Woodchurch libraries are added to the closure list. But Upton and Pensby will now stay open and Birkenhead Central Library will remain in its current location for the time being.

February 9: The Strategic Asset Review (SAR) is approved at a full council meeting.

February 27: Government says it will not intervene in the libraries decision, despite pleas by campaigners

April 3: Then-Culture secretary Andy Burnham orders an inquiry into the library closures

May 1: Former London borough chief executive Sue Charteris is appointed to carry out the inquiry.

May 13: The DCMS announces theinquiry will take place at the Floral Pavilion on June 9

June 9: Inquiry opens. The council’s director of regeneration Alan Stennard says keeping the 11 libraries facing the axe open would cost £68,000 a month

August: Sue Charteris completes her draft report and sends it to officials at the DCMS and Wirral Council’s head of law.

September 30: Campaigners celebrate after council leaders announce a U-turn on library closures. Opposition councillors call on Steve Foulkes and Simon Holbrook to resign.