Notice of question to be given in writing or by email by 12 noon, 30 January 2023 to the Council’s Monitoring Officer via this link: Public Question Form and to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 10.

For more information on how your personal information will be used, please see this link: Document Data Protection Protocol for Public Speakers at Committees | Wirral Council

Please telephone the Committee Services Officer if you have not received an acknowledgement of your question by the deadline for submission.

The Chair indicated that 11 public questions had been received.

Jon White attended the meeting to ask a question on what the KKP Indoor and Built Facilities Strategy says about the community swimming provision in the Borough. The Chair responded that the Strategy was commissioned by Wirral Council’s Planning Department and was a publicly available document and offered a paper copy or the link to be sent.

A supplementary question was asked on where children will learn the important life skill of swimming if 3 more swimming pools were lost, it was agreed that a written response would be provided within 10 working days of the meeting.

Jane Langsdale attended the meeting to ask a question about the Wallasey Central Library site and what specific plans the Council had for the future use of the land and building if it ceased to be used for its original purpose. The Chair responded that The Council had not developed any specific plans for the future use of the land and / or building that currently houses Wallasey Central Library in the event that it was ceased to be used as a Library.

A supplementary question on what enquiries had been previously made about the use of the land at Wallasey Central library and the Chair stated that a written response would be provided within 10 working days of the meeting.

Barbara Hardcastle attended the meeting and asked a question on continuing covid restrictions in libraries which had led to activities and groups being unable to be reinstated and opening times being limited. In response, the Chair outlined that whilst restrictions had been lifted regarding social distancing, and the Government had removed legal restrictions, Councils were directed to follow guidance. The guidance meant the Council must provide additional fresh air to our buildings and as a ‘Duty of Care’ (as building owners) and therefore is obligated to provide adequate fresh air for members of the public/employees, and to provide adequate ventilated spaces that are supported by statutory ‘Approved Documents’ and the likes of CIBSE etc. It was also prescribed by law in Regulation 6 of the Workplace (Health and Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

Whilst the guidance meant ventilation numbers cannot be ignored, the Library Service is working with the Facilities Management section to increase these where possible with investment in CO2 monitors to provide data to enable the numbers to be revisited and in some sites installation of mechanical ventilation to improve this. The implementation of the New Library Model would see the reintroduction of evening opening hours in the 4 Central libraries.

A supplementary question was asked around why there were not already CO2 monitors installed in libraries and the Chair stated that a written response would be provided within 10 working days of the meeting.

Jessica Keeler submitted a question around restrictions in Libraries planning and facilitating activities and events since the pandemic. The Chair indicated that a written response would be provided and minuted. The prepared response was the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55