Petition launched to help save Wallasey Central Library

The site, on Earlston Road, is one of 14 libraries still open and run by the council, is under threat as the authority prepares to cut its budget to plug a £38m gap.

There are fears the council could decide to close Wallasey Central, prompting one group to start a consultation on the streets as well as through a social media campaign.

During a meeting at the venue last month, organised by Friends of Wallasey Central Library, it was announced that a day of action would take place this Saturday, February 4, during which campaigners will have petitions at five sites in Wallasey.

The gorup and supporters are also gathering outside the Town Hall from 5pm this evening (Thursday, February 2) for a council meeting, which starts at 6pm when questions will be submitted.

New Brighton councillors Sue Powell-Wilde, Tony Jones and Paul Martin at Wallasey Central Library (Image: Picture supplied by Paul Martin)

But, as a result of government cuts, council officers have had to work with a reduced annual budget and have put together a series of measures, including closing 10 of the remaining 15 libraries and moving Birkenhead Central and Wallasey Central, to Birkenhead Town Hall and the Floral Pavilion.

Read more: Fight to save Wallasey Central Library continues 

New Brighton’s three Labour councillors put the petition together to show the strength of public opinion on the matter, and encourage the other parties to join them and keep libraries and leisure centres safe.

Labour councillor Sue Powell-Wilde said: "I've used Wallasey Central Library for over 60 years, and now use it as my council surgery venue for residents.

"As a foster carer for over 18 years Wallasey Central Library is the first place we take our young people and enrol them in the library.

"The impact it has on their reading and their education has been quite significant. Holding a book and having it all to themselves was often a first time experience for many, and the summer book challenge is something they always look forward to.

"The library also gives young people the opportunity to meet up on Saturdays and after school to do their homework, and to use the resources in a very safe environment.

"It is true to say that libraries are and always have been gateways to knowledge and culture."

Campaigners at Wallasey Central Library during meeting on January 21 (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)

Cllr Tony Jones added: "My children used the library all through their school years as children do now. This campaign is much more than books."

Dad-of-four Cllr Paul Martin put the petition online. It has now had more than 1700 signatures.

He said: "Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to sign and share our petition, as well as those that have attended meetings, called and emailed us over the past few days.

"I was a regular visitor to Wallasey Central Library as a child and take my own kids there on a regular basis.

"I'm delighted that so many local residents share our view that Wallasey Central Library has to be retained, despite the seemingly endless cuts that this Tory Government continues to inflict on councils."

To sign the petition, click here