THERE were angry scenes at a Wirral cabinet meeting held last night to approve in principle the massive shake-up of leisure and cultural facilities in the borough.

Protesters chanted slogans and waved banners before the meeting in Wallasey town hall.

The cabinet meeting itself was held in the main hall, with around 100 people present.

Council leader Cllr Steve Foulkes and chief executive Steve Maddox were repeatedly heckled and interrupted while they made the case for far-reaching cuts.

Cllr Foulkes refused to take any questions from the floor – which included the Tory opposition leader, Cllr Jeff Green – because it was against the council’s constitution.

However, Cllr Foulkes promised full consultation with both staff and users of the affected centres before the plans were formally approved.

Among the protesters outside last night was John Hogan, whose two children, Matthew, 12, and Melissa, nine, are regular users of the swimming baths at Guinea Gap, Wallasey, and at Woodchurch leisure centre – both of which are under threat.

Mr Hogan said: “It keeps them fit and brings self-respect. What message is the council sending out by withdrawing these facilities?”

Laurie Thompson, who has been a swimming coach for 20 years, said: “We have kids who are swimming of an evening, and not out in the streets.”

The proposals come before Wirral’s cabinet again on January 15.