First judicial steps taken in fight against Wirral Council’s culture closures

Feb 18 2009 Bromborough and Bebington News

THE fight against Wirral Council’s culture closures is continuing as the first steps towards a judicial review are taken and civil disobedience is planned.

Barrister and Eastham Village Preservation Association supporter, Jeff Clarke has personally delivered a “letter before action” to the council’s legal team asking them to rethink their decision over Eastham Library – or prepare for a High Court fight.

Jeff Clarke told the News: “This is the first shot in the legal action process.

“The protocol requires that we give the authority an opportunity to step back from the decision and take all steps necessary to draw back.

“We have taken the letter by hand to the town hall and given them 14 days to sort it out.

“That’s the position.

“If in 14 days they haven’t responded, which they will, they will then be subject to legal action.”

Wirral Council confirmed the letter has been received.

Jeff Clarke added: “This is not intended to be anything other than supportive of a challenge to the cuts as a whole.

“We hope that by doing this, we will encourage other people to try.

“It’s a recognition in legal terms that we have to fight our own battles.”

Meanwhile, Wirral West MP Stephen Hesford will defy his own party’s local council and travel to York on Friday, to lodge an objection to the closure of Hoylake Library with the local government Ombudsman.

Alongside all this, Wirral TUC has joined forces with the Green Party, members of the public opposed to the cuts and independent councillor, David Kirwan to launch a four point strategy, comprising a judicial review, civil disobedience and demands for a referendum, as well as fielding candidates when council seats come up for renewal in 2010.

President of Merseyside TUC, Alec McFadden told the News: “It was pointed out that 50,000 people responded to the consultation process, and that’s more people than voted at the last election.

“We will stand candidates if there is a by-election involving any of the councillors who voted to close a library or swimming bath.

“By 2010 we would hope to have our first candidate and may well have our first councillor by May 1, because David Kirwan is thinking of joining us.”

Alec McFadden added: “If the council think this is going away, they are off their heads.

“At each meeting, people are more and more determined.”

Another meeting, called by the TUC, will be held at Mersey Advice Centre, St Anne Street, Birkenhead on Monday February 23 from 7.30pm.