Hundreds sign petition to save Wallasey’s Guinea Gap Baths

Dec 3 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Wallasey News

guinea gap

A CAMPAIGN to save closure-threatened Guinea Gap Baths is gathering momentum this week.

Hundreds of supporters have signed petitions calling for the historic recreation centre to be kept open - and over 300 people have joined an internet campaign group.

The News revealed last week that Wirral Council has identified Guinea Gap for closure as part of its strategic asset review - with Wallasey Village and Seacombe Libraries also earmarked for closure.

The proposals cover all areas of the borough and could also see Pacific Road closed as an arts centre and Birkenhead Central Library closed and moved to the Europa Pools site.

Councillors say a borough-wide area forum to discuss the proposals will be held in the next few weeks.

But Liscard councillor Leah Fraser is calling on the council to set up a special meeting for Liscard and Seacombe residents to have their say.

She said: “A consultation period that involves perhaps a single area forum meeting for the whole borough, over the Christmas period, is clearly not designed to allow as many members of the public as possible to take part and give their views.

“That’s why I am pushing for the area forum I chair, covering Liscard and Seacombe, to hold a special meeting for the public in those areas to come along.

“Many of the community services in Liscard and Seacombe, Poulton and Egremont, will be slashed if these cuts are approved.”

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.”

The council believes the Guinea Gap site could become part of a major redevelopment scheme for Seacombe, capitalising on its views across the Mersey.

But members of the “Save Our Guinea Gap Baths” group on the Facebook website argue swimmers flock to the centre because of its unique position.

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