Two libraries will be saved in Wirral but five are still at risk of closing. Five public toilets are also set to close.
It was confirmed by Wirral Council that nine libraries would close at the end of October as part of savings it made earlier this year to balance its budget. Seven libraries had the option to remain open if transfers to community groups and other organisations were successful.
Negotiations will begin with Pioneer People and St Stephens Church set to take over Pensby and Prenton Library if councillors approve recommendations next week.
READ MORE: Council moves forward with plans for six mile cycle lane costing up to £14m
The future of five other libraries hangs in the balance as the council will enter further discussions with community groups and businesses “with a view to achieving a viable business plan.”
Plans for the five will have to be made in less than two months with a cut off date of December 9. Four of the libraries at risk are in Hoylake, Woodchurch, Irby and Wallasey Village.
In case agreements aren’t made to move to negotiations, the council will look at selling or renting the libraries for commercial purposes. It will also look at other viable business plans for the libraries.
The council also hopes to transfer Higher Bebington Library to the Co-Op Academy but the library is at risk of demolition if no agreement is reached by December 9.
The council said it wants to ensure there is a focus on “education opportunities” and councillors will be asked to refer to the Policy and Resources committee a number of proposals.
This includes that the library will feature “a viable business case for its use for educational purposes is established” and that “matters relating to the covenant on the land imposed by Leverhulme Estates is resolved.”
If an agreement is not reached by December, the current option for councillors to consider is the demolition of the library and use of the site as a “public open space.”
This has already been opposed by Bebington councillor Jason Walsh and a petition has been started.
Edward Lamb, behind the petition, said: “What I would like is an extra option and see it go back to the community and ask if there’s anyone else who might want it. Give them the option to use it or lose it.”
Five toilets will also close in Hoylake, West Kirby, Meols, New Ferry, and Thornton Hough and will “consider other options for the sites including marketing them for sale and subsequent disposal, demolition and clearance or any expressions of interest from the communities.”
This is also linked to budget cuts earlier this year when £50,000 was taken out of the public toilet budget. Five public toilets are being retained by the council.
Two libraries, Bromborough and New Ferry, will close. Despite a large campaign by Green councillors and residents, Bromborough Library is part of a wider bid for the civic centre while New Ferry's location in a primary school would have made a bid difficult. Ruth Molyneux told councillors “people feel betrayed.”
Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Rock Ferry library did not have a bid put in when it is New Ferry. This has been amended. Further clarification on bids for both libraries has also been added.
READ NEXT:
Liz Truss resigns as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
First picture of gunman who shot innocent girl, 15, in the neck at a bus stop
Body found on busy road in middle of the night
Young mum fears for toddler's life as bonfire is built outside her home
Heartbroken family told girl, 6, 'won't be the same' in few months time
