David Kirwan

PROSPECTIVE Independent MP David Kirwan welcomed the intervention of former Waterstones boss Tim Coates in the row over the closure of Wirral libraries.

The ex-Chairman of the leading bookseller claimed that the council’s current service was poor and that the planned closures may have serious implications for other parts of the country.

Giving evidence at the inquiry into the threatened closures, he went on to recommend that control of the libraries be given to a more “competent” neighbouring authority.

David Kirwan, who is standing in the Wirral West constituency, said: “Mr Coates’ views echo those of tens of thousands of people in Wirral who are appalled at the threat to this vital community service.

“Wirral Council’s decision to shut 11 libraries and a number of other cultural amenities has rightly caused uproar across the borough. I, and many others, now hope that the inquiry comes down on their support and these wretched plans can be kicked into touch.”