Council urged to reveal groups who want to run buildings

Jan 7 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Wallasey News

Lauries area forum

WIRRAL Council is facing demands to reveal the names of the organisations vying to take over buildings facing the axe as part of its strategic asset review.

More than 300 members of the public packed into the Lauries Centre in Birkenhead on Monday night seeking answers over the controversial proposals, which could see 14 libraries and three sports centres shut.

Around 40 people were refused entry to the building on health and safety grounds - but council officials later relented and allowed them into the foyer for a hastily arranged presentation by Labour’s Cllr Phil Davies.

The council’s director of regeneration Alan Stennard remained tight-lipped over the future of the closure-threatened sites but told the meeting:

l The council has had “some discussions” with an organisation interested in using Woodchurch Leisure Centre for “training and exercise-style facilities”.

l There have been a variety of approaches from local performance organisations, entrepreneurs and a faith group interested in Pacific Road Arts Centre

l A commercial organisation wants to use Birkenhead Town Hall for “celebration events”. Expressions of interest have also come from a drama group and a group who want to develop it as an art centre

l Representatives from the groups within Birkenhead’s Transport Museum have approached the council about running the museum

l “Community based groups” are interested in running Grange Road West Sports Centre, and there have been no proposals from developers for either the centre or car park opposite

Mr Stennard said: “We have not gone out and sought anyone to express interest - these are all interests that have come to us.

“I’m not able to release names tonight on the basis that I haven’t consulted with those people.”

He said he had “no current expressions of interest” for historic Birkenhead Central Library on Borough Road, adding: “That one is not up for grabs because we need to continue to provide services there.”

l For more from Monday night’s meeting see our website, www.wirralnews.co.uk