Notice of question to be given in writing or by email by 12 noon, 19 Jun 2023 to the Council’s Monitoring Officer via this link: Public Question Form and to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 10.

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

The Chair informed Members that several public questions had been received and she would ask those in attendance to present theirs first.

Mary Jordan read out a question regarding Bromborough Civic Centre, noting that it had been a popular facility for the community and queried what consultation the Council had carried out to ascertain what local people want to see in their community; with whom they had consulted, what was the sample size, how has the data been analysed and what conclusions were drawn. The Chair responded to say that Public Consultation had been undertaken and the Council had invited expressions of interest in a Community Asset Transfer. Two Business Cases had been submitted, and the views expressed in the two business cases will be taken into account by the Council when making any decision.

Mo Miller asked a question relating to Bromborough Civic Centre asking if any evaluation had been done on the costs, both financial and social, of disposal of Bromborough Civic Centre despite it having a viable future as a community asset. The Chair responded to say that the evaluation of the business plans and disposal is included in the exempt appendices to the report and is available to members of this committee so they can take a fully informed decision on the matter of Bromborough Civic Centre.

Irene Crowther asked a question relating to Bromborough Civic Centre, noting that the Committee had previously considered the centre as part of the Community Asset Transfer and that the report on this issue indicated that there was a viable community future for the Civic Centre, with both bids including a community Library in their planning. Mrs Crowther asked that if a decision is made to dispose of the Civic Centre and Library, would that not be a contravention of the Libraries Act by not considering Bromborough Library on an equal footing with other libraries considered for closure. The Chair responded to say that there had been public consultation before the Council decided to close any libraries, that the library had been closed because it was no longer required for an efficient and comprehensive library service and because of the need to make savings to balance the budget. Bromborough Library has been included, along with all the other libraries in Wirral, in the same process and therefore the Council does not believe that there is any contravention of the Libraries Act.

Susan Smith asked a question relating to Bromborough Civic Centre and queried if the committee voted for the option of disposing of Bromborough civic centre and library, what did the council intend to put in place to ameliorate the social isolation, poor mental health, low educational outcomes, poor provision for young people and poor health amongst the elderly. The Chair responded to say that there was already a significant number of services available to support the community in Bromborough including a Children’s centre, youth centre etc. 43 services and activities are registered on Wirral infobank for the CH62 area specifically, and 205 for Bromborough, Bebington, Eastham and Port Sunlight areas. There were two community connectors assigned to the Bromborough area as well as vibrant local community organisations.

John Brace asked a question relating to the proposals to make the libraries at libraries of St James (Bidston and St James ward) and Beechwood (Bidston and St James) self-service (as opposed to staffed as they are at present) which is a recommendation in agenda item 8 (Libraries: Implementation of New Operating Model). Mr Brace asked when the recommendations would be implemented, would this lead to job losses and how likely would the changes impact members of the public. The Chair responded to say that the majority of changes approved have now been implemented. Beechwood Library currently remains as a Council staffed library localised discussions continue for a co-located venue for a Library in the area. And following positive discussions with North Birkenhead Development Trust (St James) it was agreed that this would be the first Community Partner Library offer to commence with an effective date of 1st May. The revised opening hours offers an increase of 14 hours per week from the previous council staffed offer. No members of staff will be lost within the library service as a consequence of these 2 sites being self-service.

The Chair read out a question on behalf of Percy Hogg relating to Bromborough Civic Centre, noting that this was very similar to a question also received by Kate Hare. Mr Hogg stated that a petition previously been presented to the Committee and more people were singing up to volunteer to help run the library. Mr Hogg queried why this was being ignored. The Chair responded to say that the Council was aware of the strength of feeling in Bromborough and the two business cases and confirmed the library was closed because it was no longer required for an efficient and comprehensive library service and because of the need to make savings to balance the budget.

The Chair read out a question on behalf of Andrew Waring. The question related to Brackenwood Golf Club team who had worked hard to keep it as a managed area while a Community Asset Transfer could be arranged. Mr Waring wanted to know why a historical site could used for football pitches, noting that is it is a green area and should stay that way. The Chair responded to say that the Council had a deficit of playing pitches and explained the negotiations which had taken place with Brackenwood Golf Club. If the report’s recommendation for Brackenwood Golf course was to be approved, then the area would remain as open space and be used for playing pitches (for a variety of sports), Biodiversity Net Gain and public access.