THE second part of a public inquiry into the proposed closure of 11 Wirral libraries is under way this morning.

A panel, chaired by public policy Sue Charteris, will ask the council to give evidence on how their controversial proposal - which forms part of the strategic asset review - meets the demands of library users from across the borough, including the elderly, unemployed and those with special educational needs and satisfies the requirements of the 1964 Libraries Act.

The session, which is also open to the public, starts at 9.30am.

Among those with concerns is Liz Webster, from Hoylake Library Action Group.

Speaking to the Globe a few moments ago, the mother of three said: "By the council's own admission, the plans to replace Hoylake with an enhanced library service at West Kirby depend on a complex public/private partnership underpinned by enabling retail development.

"Even based on the council's timetable, the earliest this will be available is four years time.

"My youngest daughter Charlotte will have gone almost half her lifetime without what the council consider the right level of library provision.

"The 'neighbourhood centre' will not be in the centre of our neighbourhood."

In her closing speech yesterday, Ms Charteris - who was selected by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to chair the inquiry - told the audience: "There is a set of issues around usage levels and demand and how the council anticipate the working of libraries after closure.

"Clearly there are some questions about the plans for relocation and provision."

She ended: "So we're going to be busy tomorrow."