An inspectorcalls in at our libraries

May 27 2009 by Liam Murphy, Birkenhead News

An inspectorcalls in at our libraries

THE woman with the fate of 11 Wirral libraries in her hands has conducted a two-day tour of the sites.

Sue Charteris met library users and staff as she assesses whether Wirral Council’s controversial plans to close libraries across the borough should continue.

The former London borough chief executive was appointed by culture secretary Andy Burn-ham following the furore surrounding the authority’s plans.

She spent two days touring the libraries under threat from the Strategic Asset Review (SAR) announced last year.

The council has pressed ahead with parts of the SAR – including beginning the marketing of the former Birkenhead town hall in historic Hamilton Square.

The library closure programme had been expected to see libraries shut from the start of April, but was suspended when the Secretary of State announced the inquiry a day before the first closures were due.

The aim of the inquiry is to gather further information to help the Secretary of State decide whether the council’s plans are consistent with their statutory duty to provide a “comprehensive and efficient” library service.

Ms Charteris declined to comment publicly following her meetings with residents, simply saying the response from people had been “fantastic” as she left Seacombe Library.

Cllr Leah Fraser had been there to “ensure staff could also speak freely to the inspector”, and said she believed it had been a productive visit.

She said: “People felt that she had listened to them and took their comments on board.

“I think there has been a good turn-out and a wide cross-section of users and their views were put forward.

“The inspector was very approachable and listened to everyone who spoke to her.”

Seacombe councillor Denis Knowles added: “People took the chance to have a more personal chat with her and tell her their views because they probably feel at the formal inquiry at the Floral Pavilion their points will get lost.”

At many of the libraries, Ms Charteris had been met by supporters of all ages and during her visit to Hoylake had been handed a dossier supporting the west Wirral library by local campaigners Barbara Kirby and Liz Webster.

THE formal inquiry will be at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, on June 9 at 9.30am.