CLAIMS the public have been "locked out" of a community centre since Wirral Chamber of Commerce took over day-to-day running of the facility have been denied.

The response by the chamber's chief executive Paula Basnett came as calls for an investigation were made into how the Lauries in Birkenhead is managed.

Wirral Globe:

Opened in 2005 with £3m of European and UK grant funding, the Lauries' purpose is to provide community access to conference facilities, computer suites and meeting rooms in the town centre.

But according to Birkenhead & Tranmere Neighbourhood Planning Forum - and the town’s Green Party councillor Pat Cleary - there is no longer access for local people and a public café in the premises has closed down.

The forum has lodged a formal complaint with Wirral Council.

Councillor Cleary told the Globe: “The evidence clearly points towards a behind-closed-doors stitch-up that displays a total disregard for the local community.

"Wirral Council should act immediately to ensure the original articles of association pertaining to the Lauries are properly enforced and effectively policed in the future.”

But Ms Basnett said: “The Lauries is and always has been open for community use.

"Wirral chamber manages the day-to-day running on behalf of the Lauries.

"We occupy a ground-floor office and have a fully-paid licence agreement in place.

"The main entrance was relocated to ensure the security of the building and the people within it.

Wirral Globe:

"All visitors to the building must now report to reception."

The building was leased from the council to Lauries Ltd for 125 years in September, 2005.

According to documents held at Companies House the five directors of the Lauries currently include Asif Hamid – who owns the Contact Company, and Ms Basnett, chairman and board director of the Wirral chamber.

No local councillors have been on the board since 2015.

Asked why this was the case, Ms Basnett said: “It was recognised that the past board played a significant role in the creation and development of the centre.

“However in further developing the Lauries' sustainability they acknowledged a new board would bring impetus and future growth.”

Ms Basnett said the forum's complaint that the chamber now promotes the Lauries "exclusively for use for commercial purposes” is incorrect, saying it is used “for a mixture of community, social and business events and services.”

“For example this month we have had the Blood Bank, Wirral Met College and NHS all using the facilities for community projects,” she said.

"Bookings are taken for events, parties, fund raising, charitable causes, social and community activities.

“The back entrance is used for staff, deliveries and contractors of the centre, public access is only made through the front entrance on Claughton Road.

“The Lauries has undergone a significant upgrade to give all users of the centre the best possible service.”

Addressing concerns the cafe had closed, Ms Basnett said the space which was leased by an external business was being refurbished and is due to reopen in April.

A spokesman for Wirral Council said: "The Lauries Centre is a valuable community facility.

"We are aware of some issues being raised about how accessible the site is to residents at the moment and we will be looking into the matters which have been raised in an effort to resolve any problems as soon as possible."