A WIRRAL MP has demanded the council calls an immediate halt to its library closure programme.

Stephen Hesford has written to council chief executuve Steve Maddox saying the controversial shut down of 11 libraries, swimming pools and village halls should be put on ice until a series of complaints and inquiries are answered.

In his letter, the West Wirral MP states:

"I am writing once again concerning the Strategic Asset Review. In view of:

1. My asking the Local Government Ombudsman to investigate concerns relating to the SAR;

2. A possible Judicial Review of the SAR;

3. The vague and unsatisfactory post-review proposals.

I am writing to demand that the libraries closure programme be halted until such time as the various enquiries have reported and concrete and timetabled alternative provision has been put in place.

I look forward to your positive and responsible proposals."

Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors united to push through through closures claiming "there was no alternative", as maintaining the facilities would cost more than £3m per year.

Town hall leader Cllr Steve Foulkes told a recent meeting of the full council that his aim was to keep future council tax increases to a minimum.