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There is a demonstration this evening from 3.30pm onwards outside Hoylake library for all those who would like to show their support for the campaign against it's closure

WIRRAL Council's director of regeneration Alan Stennard has admitted he doesn't use the borough's libraries.

There were gasps from the audience at Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight on Tuesday as Mr Stennard made the confession.

The conference centre was the venue for the second of four special area forums to discuss the council's Strategic Asset Review, which could see 14 libraries and three sports centres closed.

Responding to a question from a member of the public about which library he used, Mr Stennard said: "I don't use the libraries."

Council leader Steve Foulkes was quick to defend Mr Stennard, saying: "If you ask the majority of our population you would receive the same answer."

Birkenhead Central Library and Pacific Road saved from axe


BIRKENHEAD Central Library will not be closing, while Pacific Road Theatre should have a viable future but without any public subsidy.

Hundreds of Wirral residents packed into Wallasey Town Hall last Thursday, to hear council leader Cllr Steve Foulkes deliver his cabinet’s 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.

Cllr Foulkes said Birkenhead Central Library will “remain open in its current building, which will be maintained as required”, while Upton Library also avoided the axe.

Birkenhead and Tranmere Cllr Phil Davies said: “There really was never any suggestion to demolish that building, because we know how much it is loved and valued within Birkenhead.

“Even if we did relocate the library to another building, we would certainly, given the historic importance of that building, look for an alternative use.”

But the news wasn’t so good for Beechwood, Prenton and Ridgeway libraries, all of which will close as originally proposed.

Prenton Cllr Ann Bridson said a tough decision was made between keeping Woodchurch Leisure Centre, used by ward residents, and the library.

Cllr Bridson told the News: “We could possibly maintain the library, but it would not be run by the library service.”

Cllr Foulkes told the meeting several “expressions of interest” have been made regarding Pacific Road Theatre, which should allow it to continue.

Wirral Museum will close but a new sustainable use will be found for the former Birkenhead Town Hall, “to secure the future of this iconic building”, while Wirral Transport Museum will be transferred to a community development trust.

Grange Road West Sports Centre will also “be considered” for community ownership.

the wirral news