CAMPAIGNERS battling to save a respite centre from a cost-saving closure have fired a broadside at Wirral Council chiefs for what they see as "frivolous" use of taxpayers' cash.

They have listed around £190,000 in expenditure - including £25,000 for a new carpet and £91,000 for office furniture - as evidence the authority's claims to be "cash-strapped" are dubious.

Information obtained by those fighting to save Girtrell Court has also revealed the town hall has produced 60,000 Wirral visitor guides at a cost of £18,698.

But the council countered by explaining the cost of the guide was largely met through advertising revenue and the true outlay was only £3,000 - working out at around 5p per copy.

However, councillor Chris Blakeley insisted: "It seems they can find money at the drop of a hat for many things - but not for supporting vulnerable people in our borough.

"Telling families of some of the most vulnerable that 'there is no money left' to save Girtrell Court is, frankly, an insult to their intelligence.

"I find it incredible this 'cash-strapped' council can find almost £19,000 for such a frivolous exercise as a glossy visitor guide while at the same time attacking the most vulnerable in our society by proposing the closure of this unique respite centre."

He added: "The more we learn about the town hall's recent spending the less we like what we see."

Councillor Blakeley listed the following as examples: £19,000 on the visitor guide, £14,000 on consultants Penderells to provide guidiance for users of Girtrell Court, £91,000 on new office furniture, £25,000 on a new carpet for the town hall and £56,000 on the leader of the council's new policy executive.

Councillor Pat Hackett, Wirral’s cabinet member for business and tourism, said: "We are proud of our fantastic tourist offer here in Wirral and this guide highlights all the wonderful places we have for people to visit and enjoy.

“The cost of the print and distribution of this guide is completely covered through advertising income, paid for by the many tourism businesses who achieve huge benefits and increased business from the guide.

"The only costs to the council were incurred through writing and producing the guide, which are estimated at around £3,000 – less than 5p for every copy.

"It is vital we support and market our local businesses and attractions.

"This adds to the borough's booming visitor economy, now valued at over £355m and employing 4,800 full-time equivalent jobs."

He continued: “Wirral now has the fastest growing visitor economy in the whole of the Liverpool City Region and this guide will help us grow this further, creating more new jobs and attracting more inward investment.

"This will build on great successes like New Brighton, which goes from strength to strength."

The local authority reckons closing Saughall Massie-based Girtrell Court would save £155,000 per year and that those using the care home could be accommodated through the private sector.

A consultation excercise is underway and no decision about about the centre's future will be made until it is finalised.

A further public meeting over Girtrell Court is planned for tonight, click here for details.