Wirral Council gives Guinea Gap baths a two-year reprieve - but two Wallasey libraries will still close

Jan 21 2009 by Matt Hurst, Wallasey News

Wirral Council gives Guinea Gap baths a two-year reprieve - but two Wallasey libraries will still close

WIRRAL’S councillors have tried to show they are listening by backing down over Guinea Gap Baths, but Wallasey Village and Seacombe libraries will still close.

The leisure centre earned a two year reprieve from cabinet, who voted on proposals at a packed Wallasey Town Hall last Thursday.

Hundreds of residents from across Wirral filled the main hall - and two adjoining rooms - to hear council leader Cllr Steve Foulkes deliver his verdict on the strategic asset review and subsequent public consultation.

The Labour leader told those assembled: “I hope you believe the consultation has been genuine”, after the heavy peninsula wide closures initially proposed were altered.

There were angry scenes a week earlier when plans were presented to the public at the new Floral Pavilion in New Brighton, and this time the news was better for the many community groups who made their views known.

Matthew Dodd, 19, had a liver transplant aged five and has competed at the World Transplant Games.

He said: “It’s absolutely brilliant that it’s been saved, from my perspective, because it means I can continue training.”

But New Brighton resident, Sid Moulineux said the news left him “feeling flat”.

The 61-year-old told the News: “Wallasey Village Library is still going to close, and Seacombe.

“These facilities, we should be proud to have them.”

Liberal Democrat leader Simon Holbrook rejected suggestions the initial report had presented a worst case scenario, so residents would welcome any concessions.

He said: “No, absolutely not, we commissioned a report by professional officers.

“Having commissioned that study, having got that report, we felt the thing to do was consult public opinion.”

Elsewhere, negotiations will continue with Leasowe Community Homes over Leasowe Leisure Centre, while Liscard and Moreton are in line for a major multi-purpose complex, with a smaller version proposed for Leasowe.