Council could close six more libraries

Six libraries could close following cuts to council services, a local authority has revealed.

Wirral Council said on Friday that it was proposing to operate only eight libraries going forward, which meant six libraries could be facing closure if the council stopped running them and no one could take them over.

The plans come following £250,000 cuts to council service which were unanimously approved earlier this year.

A public survey that will allow residents to have their say on the issue is expected to go live on 6 May 6 will run until 1 July on the authority's Have Your Say website.

The council said the proposals would create "comprehensive, modern, accessible and sustainable facilities that will meet the needs of Wirral communities", adding this would be in line with the law.

It said its proposal "recognises the broadening role of libraries in today's society and sets out plans to transform the digital offer that is at the heart of a modern, future-focused service."

Going forward, the council is expected to set up a library committee which will determine how the local authority will provide a service going forward. These meetings will be held in public.

Currently the council is proposing to keep eight libraries open. These are Bebington Central Library, Birkenhead Central Library, Eastham, Heswall, Moreton, West Kirby Central Library, Wallasey Central Library, and Upton.

According to the council's list of libraries on its website, this means six libraries could be facing closure if the council stops running them and no one can take them over.

These are Beechwood Library, Greasby Library, Leasowe Community Partnership Library, Rock Ferry Library, Seacombe Community Partnership Library, and St James Community Partnership Library.

The local authority closed nine libraries as part of budget cuts in 2022. Only two of these have since reopened as public-facing libraries in Wallasey Village and Pensby.

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