Wirral Council launches cultural consultation on libraries and parks and countryside service

Feb 8 2012 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL Council is launching a consultation on libraries and its Parks and Countryside service.

There are plans to extend the opening of all 24 Wirral libraries – which are currently closed on Wednesdays – to six days a week.

It could also see the four central libraries at Birkenhead, Wallasey, West Kirby and Bebington open into the evening.

The libraries consultation is based upon a draft strategy detailing how the service looks to tackle the challenges presented by new technology, customer demand and budgetary constraints.

The council is asking customers to share how they use their library now and what they think of the proposed changes.

The Parks and Countryside Service survey comes after the council decided to continue manage the service in-house despite earlier plans to hand control to an outside contractor.

Councillor Chris Meaden, cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure, said: “We’re asking you to tell us what your local parks, beaches, countryside and open spaces should be like. What do you like about them? If you could change anything what would it be?

“This survey, and the libraries one which we are running side-by-side, is your chance to have your say on how the council manages these well-loved facilities.

“Your views are important because any changes that are proposed will only be successful if they meet the needs of the people who use the service.”

In 2009 the council performed a U-turn over plans to close 11 libraries after a huge public outcry and an independent inquiry led by inspector Sue Charteris.

It employed consultants to prepare plans for the controversial ‘privatisation’ of the borough’s parks and open spaces in a bid to save £10m but the proposals were dropped late last year.

Hard copies of the questionnaires are available at all libraries and One Stop Shops and copies of the parks survey can be picked up from parks’ visitor centres.

The closing date for the libraries consultation is February 29 while the parks survey runs until March 12.