Councillor criticises Wirral council’s ‘rushed decision’ on libraries

Dec 3 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Bromborough and Bebington News

ONE of Wirral’s longest serving councillors has criticised the “rushed decision” by Wirral Council which has put libraries in Bromborough, Higher Bebington and New Ferry under threat.

Wirral Council is proposing the closures as part of its strategic asset review to tackle rising energy costs and a £10m repair bill for ageing buildings.

Cabinet members last week agreed six weeks of public consultation on the proposals and plan to hold a special area forum in the run-up to the Christmas period.

A final decision will be made just two weeks into the New Year, at a cabinet meeting on January 15.

Eastham councillor Phil Gilchrist, a councillor for 30 years, said: “No-one disputes that Wirral has financial problems. However, a rushed decision, in the hope of making savings to balance the books, has put local facilities under threat.

“My community expects me to retain valued facilities. That is what I shall work for and try to secure.”

He added: “Now the council’s cabinet has agreed to a period of consultation there is a lot to be done.

“I represent a community that has few facilities. Those we have are well-used and highly regarded.”

Mayer Hall in Bebington is also recommended for closure, subject to consultation with trustees.

Bebington Civic Centre would remain open and developed as a “multi-purpose complex”, incorporating library, community and council services, with a smaller complex at Eastham Library.

The proposals cover all areas of the borough and could also see Birkenhead Central Library closed and services transferred to Europa Pools.

At a bad-tempered meeting of Wirral Council’s cabinet at Wallasey Town Hall on Thursday, chief executive Steve Maddox said: “Unless we do something these facilities will not survive.”

l Read our special report on last week’s cabinet meeting on page 12.