Library campaigners prepare for Tuesday’s public inquiry hearing

Jun 3 2009 Heswall News

SUPPORTERS of all eleven threatened Wirral libraries are putting in place their final preparations ahead of next Tuesday’s public enquiry hearing.

There appears to be a faint, nervous feeling of optimism among those who have stuck to the cause, since the full extent of the implications of Wirral Council’s strategic asset review (SAR) became clear in November last year.

Certainly the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) envoy, Sue Charteris has impressed and everyone involved in the tense proceedings appears to be satisfied by her role, and the nature and substance of her inquiry.

Hoylake Library Action Group’s Barbara Kirby will be speaking at the Floral Pavilion on Tuesday.

She told the News: “It was really good to be able to meet her and my initial impression is that she will be an excellent adjudicator.”

The inquiry will begin at 9.30am with Sue Charteris’ opening remarks.

This will then be followed by a summary statement from Wirral Council, with the right to cross-examine reserved only for Ms Charteris.

“Local, regional and national interested parties” will then make their case, with cross-examination allowed by both the DCMS’ representative, and Wirral Council.

Those making oral submissions on the library service as a whole, include, Wirral Against Cuts’ Alec McFadden, Conservative councillor John Hale, Dr Jane Davis of The Reader Organisation and Wirral West MP Stephen Hesford.

Mr Hesford said: “I had the opportunity to speak privately with Sue Charteris a week or so ago and I made it clear the SAR was so fundamentally flawed that it had to be stopped.”

In the pack sent to all those speaking, Ms Charteris makes it clear she will not “be considering or listening to comments or allegations that are or may be construed to be party political and/or refer to by name or cast doubt on the judgement of named individual council officers or elected councillors”.

She points out “it is outside the scope of the inquiry to comment on or have regard to allegations about the merits of the consultation process and whether it was flawed or not” adding that her only remit is to “establish and enquire into the implications for the delivery of Wirral’s public library service”.

Provision has been made for the enquiry to run into Wednesday if necessary.

Wallasey MP Angela Eagle could face losing three libraries from her constituency.

She said: “I got a good impression of Sue Charteris.

“She’s got a sharp, lively, enquiring mind and I don’t think we could have got anyone better to have a look at it.”

l To see the full list of speakers, visit wirralnews.co.uk