HUNDREDS of angry protestors gathered at Wallasey Town Hall last night to protest at the proposed closure of libraries and leisure centres.

During the meeting of the council's culture, tourism and leisure overview and scrutiny committee, some of the 300-plus demonstrators were invited to give their views on the proposals, which are part of the council’s strategic asset review.

Its chairman, Hoylake Conservative Cllr John Hale, had originally tabled a motion calling for the closure programme to be withdrawn and that future proposals were subjected to genuine consultation through the normal area forums.

He also called for staff and user organisations to be consulted over a realistic time scale, on the understanding that future proposals did not reduce the levels of service or accessibility.

But the committee’s two Liberal Democrat and two Labour councillors voted in favour of an amendment that called for the current six-week consultation process to continue.

The proposals, which could allegedly lead to the loss of more than 1,000 jobs, will go back to cabinet on January 15, when a final decision will be made.

Area forums will take place on the following dates: Monday, January 5, at 7pm in the Lauries Centre, Claughton Road, Birkenhead; for residents in Birkenhead, Tranmere, Rock Ferry, Bidston,Claughton, Oxton and Prenton.

Tuesday, January 6 at 7pm at Hulme Hall in Bolton Road, Port Sunlight; for residents from Heswall, Pensby, Thingwall, Bebington, Clatterbridge, Bromborough and Eastham.

Wednesday, January 7, at 7pm West Kirby Concourse; for residents from Hoylake, Meols, West Kirby, Thurstaston, Greasby, Frankby, Irby, Upton and Woodchurch.

Thursday, January 8, at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton; for residents from Leasowe, Moreton, Saughall Massie, New Brighton, Wallasey, Liscard and Seacombe.

Cllr John Hale, who is one of three Conservative councillors on the committee opposing the cuts, told the Globe: “I think it’s shocking that, so far, the staff and unions haven’t been consulted and I think it’s shocking that only four forums are to be held with many, many people who will be unable to get to them.

“Frankly, I’m alright Jack, because they are holding ours at the Concourse and I live in Hoylake. But a lot of people from Woodchurch and Upton are going to find it very, very difficult to get there, particularly those without cars or public transport. It’s the same for people from Pensby, who are going to have to go to Hulme Hall.

“Okay, it would have taken more time and effort, but the consultation should have been held at 11 forums which would have been a lot more localised. It’s all because of the budget and I don’t think the public’s views, in the end, will be taken into account. There may be the odd amendment, but I have very grave doubts as to the real influence it will have, because the cabinet members have made up their minds.“ Carla Williams, secretary of the Joint Management Committee which runs Hoylake Community Centre, agrees that more forums should be organised.

She told the Globe: “I would ask the council to re-think these locations and to create at least another four locations for the areas most affected by the cuts, so everyone can have their democratic say, because our council must start to listen to the people, and realise they have made the biggest mistake of their administration, and if they can’t or don’t listen then they must be asked as councillors to resign and restand for re-election on these proposals.”

Since the consultation period was started on November 27, more than 2000 people have joined an online campaign Save Wirral Services on networking site Facebook, with 800 adding their names to the Save Pacific Road website.

Liscard conservative councillor Leah Fraser was among those who marched from closure-threatened Guinea Gap baths to the town Hall before Wednesday’s meeting.

In her address to the committee, Cllr Fraser asked how many people would be losing their jobs under the proposed cuts.

"It seems the council doesn't know," she said. "I was staggered that, at a time when hundreds of council workers are facing redeployment in other departments, the council seems to think another few hundred in culture and leisure jobs can also be redeployed elsewhere.

"This shows how rushed and hasty these cuts are - the council wants to cut services and jobs but doesn't know how many but it's all got to be sorted by March. It's not about consultation - it's about meeting a Government target."

Commenting on a petition on the Downing Street website, Cllr Fraser added: "I have signed the petition and I urge others to do the same. Earlier today, Gordon Brown announced he had saved the world.

Let's hope he can save Wirral's leisure services."

Jeff Brandman, from Wirral Unison, said: “These cuts will rip out the heart of the local community and create cultural deserts in this borough. Libraries are an integral part of this borough and closure would disenfranchise local residents.

“There has been no consultation whatsoever with Wirral Unison. The council should stop listening to overpaid spin doctors. It should start listening to the voters of Wirral and the trade unions.”