WIRRAL'S director of regeneration has outlined the library closure programe on the second day of a local inquiry.

During a heated 90-minute session at the Floral Pavilion this morning, Alan Stennard said the plans, part of the strategic asset review, aimed to deliver an enriched service for the borough.

He told panel chairman Sue Charteris, who had to bring the jeering audience of more than 100 people to order on a few occasions: "It's our assessment that the 13 libraries will be placed in the best views of the public.

"In the case of the proposed 13 libraries, the strategic asset review looked at several options in terms of future delivery.

"We looked at the proposal of five libraries, but this was rejected.

"It's a balancing act. If the council had unlimited resources to maintain our 24 libraries and could afford to buy superb books, we wouldn't be here today.

"We will continue to meet our statutory requirements of the 1964 libraries act.

"If we continue to provide 24 libraries it will mean having to maintain those buildings, something we are not able to do."

Asked whether a separate consultation had taken place about the libraries' future, Mr Stennard replied: "No. We didn't undertake a specific consultation on the library service, because it was part of the SAR consultation."

The consultation continues.