WIRRAL MP Ben Chapman has made a last-ditch attempt to save the borough’s libraries.

Mr Chapman has written to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to appeal for the urgent intervention of the Secretary of State, Andy Burnham MP, in Wirral Council’s decision to close 11 libraries.

The first four libraries are set to close on April 4, including Higher Bebington and New Ferry libraries in Mr Chapman’s constituency of Wirral South.

Mr Chapman said: “I was very disappointed with the Secretary of State’s initial decision not to intervene ‘at this time’ and I have urged him to reconsider.

“I do not believe that there has been anything like adequate consultation with those who are most affected by the decision.

“The views of library users and library staff should have been taken into account. They know best what kind of services should be provided.”

He added: “People want to see their local services maintained and improved, not shut down in favour of bigger, less convenient facilities.

“Schoolchildren, pension-ers and those undertaking adult learning courses should be able to walk to their local library, as many do now.”

Mr Chapman has already presented a petition to Parliament with 600 names, protesting against the closure of Eastham library.