People in a Wirral town are "delighted" after their library has been thrown a lifeline by a local councillor.
Bromborough Library was one of two libraries earmarked for closure after Wirral Council’s budget in February outlined almost £20m worth of cuts. The move signalled the end of the council’s support for nine libraries, among several other leisure services, and caused huge upset in many parts of the borough.
Nine libraries were affected by the cuts, however, earlier this month, the ECHO reported that seven could be saved, with local groups being given the chance to take them over under the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process. Libraries in Hoylake, Irby, Pensby, Prenton, Wallasey, Woodchurch and Higher Bebington will all see bids for a CAT to keep them going taken forward following approval from Wirral Council’s Tourism and Leisure Committee.
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Libraries in Bromborough and New Ferry were set to close on October 30, as no one came forward with bids to save them, however new Labour councillor Sue Percy has appealed to the committee to ask the community be given more time to save its library.
Cllr Percy said: “From speaking to residents and seeing the brilliant work done by the Friends of Bromborough Library, it was clear that more time was needed. I requested officers reopen the community asset transfer window to let interested groups get their bid in.
“Together with the council leader, Cllr Janette Williamson, I have offered to work with residents to put together a robust bid. I am confident that we can keep this cherished community hub open, and in the hands of the people who use it most.”
The news has been welcomed by members of the local community.
Mo Miller, the chair of Friends of Bromborough Library, said: “The Friends of Bromborough Library are delighted that the council listened to and understood the vision of a vibrant civic centre and library in Bromborough. We now feel that this vision is possible and we will do all we can to work with other community partners to try to achieve it.”
Local groups will have some financial support to keep their libraries going. The council has allocated £282,000 to support those running the libraries in their first year of operation. The local authority has also pledged £500,000 out of its capital budget, for infrastructure projects, to support investment to improve their physical condition where this is needed.
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