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In a decision that surprised many, Wirral Council has REJECTED proposals to close more of the Borough's libraries, following a call by Conservative Councillors.
Last week's vote not only secured the future of six of the 14 libraries, it also made it clear that closures are not an option in the future.
The campaign to save libraries at Greasby, Rock Ferry and St James began as soon as closures were first announced in March.
At the same time, the Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ian Lewis (Conservative, Wallasey Ward) requested that existing policies on consultation and community asset transfer be revamped.
Both were subsequently updated and agreed by the Council, ahead of the legally-required consultation on library closures getting underway.
To support the consultation, and following a further request from Cllr. Lewis, a Libraries Subcommittee was also established and members visited all libraries - meeting with library users, library friends' groups and staff.
Support for closures was non-existent.
Libraries at Seacombe, Beechwood and Leasowe were already being transferred to alternative venues when the consultation began.
The consultation results were overwhelming in keeping, and improving, the library service.
The vote at the meeting on Thursday 18th, with recommendations proposed by Cllr. Lewis and seconded by Labour Councillor Ann Ainsworth (Pensby), were agreed unanimously.
Cllr. Lewis said: "None of us who visited the libraries or who heard the evidence from residents at the meeting could possibly vote for closure. Libraries, no matter how neglected some have been, remain 'hubs' in the community and, in some cases, are the ONLY council presence in that community."
The official council report on the decision can be found here.
Speaking after the meeting, and having thanked all those who took part in the consultation and who addressed the committee, Cllr. Lewis outlined his priorities for the library service:
- Work to make books available for lending and reading in more venues, starting with those communities which have lost their library, such as Bromborough
- Ensure the various library friends' groups are given more information and opportunities to work with the council to improve the service, activities and opportunities
- Analysing the suggestions in the consultation as to how the service can be improved and developed so that more people can benefit from what is offered
- Including those libraries which have already 'asset transferred' - Pensby, Prenton, Irby and Wallasey Village - are included in discussions and opportunities for promotion
At the same time, Conservative Councillors Colin Baldwin, Gary Bennett and Vida Wilson are pushing for the promised, and overdue, expansion of Moreton Library, including a bigger, better children's section, funded as part of the Pasture Road development works.
