LIBERAL Democrats in Wirral have held a meeting in a bid to heal divisions within the party over the planned cuts to council buildings and services.

The council’s Strategic Asset Review (SAR) recommended wide -ranging closures of libraries across the borough and has prompted widespread opposition.

But the cabinet decision last week to shut Eastham library, after a concerted campaign to retain the nearby Bromborough site has led to the three local councillors mounting their own campaign – against their own party.

Eastham councillor Dave Mitchell branded the decision to shut Eastham library – which had originally been recommended to be retained – as “totally wrong”.

And he said the council’s leadership had denied his constituents the opportunity to be consulted on the closure.

He said: “If you read the resolution from the cabinet, it’s a fait accompli. Being a democracy, it’s up to the group to decide what to do, and us councillors in Eastham to persuade the other members of the group.”

However, he also said he supported the ultimate aims of the SAR which is intended to address increasing budgetary pressures within the cultural services department.

Also under threat as a result of the review are the Transport museum and the Wirral Museum in Birkenhead town hall – both of which have a number of interested groups seeking to take them or their buildings over.

The authority hopes to transfer Grange Road West sports centre to community ownership, along with numerous village and community halls while other facilities, such as Birkenhead’s Central library and Guinea Gap Baths, face a delay in which their future will be decided.

The cabinet plan is for five major multi-purpose complexes to be built.

Cllr Mitchell, along with fellow Eastham councillors Tom Harney and Phil Gilchrist – all Lib-Dems – will be pushing the case for their local library.

Lib-Dem leader Cllr Simon Holbrook admitted there was “a difference of views and that arises from the closure of Eastham library” but insisted party members were “all on good terms with each other”.

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