IRRAL NEWS W BROMBOROUGH & BEBINGTON EDITION
SECOND PHASE
Neptune reveals new plans for New Brighton
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
‘RUSH’ MOVE IS SLAMMED Councillor criticises decision on libraries
See page 4
SCREEN GONGS
ONE of Wirral’s By LORNA HUGHES longest serving councillors has criticised period of consultation there is a lot to be done. the “rushed decision” “I represent a community by Wirral Council that has few facilities. Those which has put libraries we have are well-used and highly regarded.” in Bromborough, High- Mayer Hall in Bebington is er Bebington and New also recommended for closure, subject to consultation Ferry under threat.
Who won Wirral Film Festival awards?
Wirral Council is proposing the closures as part of its strategic asset review to tackle rising energy costs and a £10m repair bill for ageing buildings.
See page 3
HELP THE HOMELESS
Wirral News launches Ark Christmas appeal See page 7
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● Santa Baby Sophie Stevenson
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Does Santa Sophie get your vote? SHE’S cute and she’s Christmassy - but is she Wirral’s Santa Baby? Adorable 10-month-old
Sophie Stevenson this week launches Wirral News’ Christmas competition to find the borough’s best-
dressed babe. Turn to Page 5 for full details of how to take part in our festive fun.
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Cabinet members last week agreed six weeks of public consultation on the proposals and plan to hold a special area forum in the run-up to the Christmas period. A final decision will be made just two weeks into the New Year, at a cabinet meeting on January 15. Eastham councillor Phil Gilchrist, a councillor for 30 years, said: “No-one disputes that Wirral has financial problems. However, a rushed decision, in the hope of making savings to balance the books, has put local facilities under threat. “My community expects me to retain valued facilities. That is what I shall work for and try to secure.” He added: “Now the council’s cabinet has agreed to a
with trustees. Bebington Civic Centre would remain open and developed as a “multi-purpose complex”, incorporating library, community and council services, with a smaller complex at Eastham Library. The proposals cover all areas of the borough and could also see Birkenhead Central Library closed and services transferred to Europa Pools. At a bad-tempered meeting of Wirral Council’s cabinet at Wallasey Town Hall on Thursday, chief executive Steve Maddox said: “Unless we do something these facilities will not survive.” ● Read our special report on last week’s cabinet meeting on page 12.
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