A WIRRAL MP has made a last-minute appeal for Government help to halt the closure of libraries.

Ben Chapman has written to Culture secretary Andy Burnham MP following the decision to close Wirral Council's decision to close 11 libraries as part of the strategic asset review.

The first four libraries are scheduled to close on April 4, including Higher Bebington and New Ferry libraries in Mr Chapman's Wirral South constituency.

Mr Chapman has consistently campaigned for the council to reconsider and made numerous representations to Ministers.

On Tuesday he presented a petition to Parliament signed by more than 600 residents protesting against the closure of Eastham library.

He said: "I am dismayed at the council’s decision. Local people want to see their local services maintained and improved, not shut down in favour of bigger, less convenient facilities.

"School children, pensioners and those undertaking adult learning courses should be able to walk to their local library, as many do now.

"In reaching the decision that the Secretary of State will not intervene, I do not believe that there has been anything like adequate consultation with those who are most affected by the decision or consideration of the needs of the local communities affected.

"The views of library users and library staff should have been taken into account. They know best what kind of services should be provided.

"I was very disappointed with the Secretary of State’s initial decision not to intervene "at this time" and I have urged him to reconsider."