Help our campaign Become a member Be a councillor
Following last week’s vote to save libraries in Greasby, Rock Ferry and St James, the Chair of the Council’s Libraries Committee is calling for library services to be reintroduced in those communities ‘left behind’ from previous closures.
In 2022, nine libraries were closed, although four were transferred to the community - Pensby, Wallasey Village, Prenton and Irby.
Evidence from the recent libraries consultation confirmed that when a library closes, the majority of library users stop using the service, with only a small proportion prepared to travel further to the next available library.
Councillor Ian Lewis (Conservative, Wallasey Ward) said: “Claims that people will travel to another library have proved to be baloney.
“Residents have made it clear that when a library closes, we see more isolation and less reading and learning. This goes against stated policies of the council.”
Among the communities affected are Bromborough and Hoylake.
Cllr. Lewis added: “It’s clear from the representations from residents and local councillors that both communities want a library service back.
“As part of the forthcoming review of all the ideas from residents in the consultation, I will be asking the Libraries Subcommittee to look at how we can reintroduce a library service in those communities which have been left behind, whether in a council building or alternative community venue.”
