A PUBLIC inquiry is to be called by the Government into the controversial library closure programme in Wirral.

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham has today intervened in the public dispute about the closures, calling a local inquiry to test whether the Council's plans are consistent with their statutory duty to provide all residents with a comprehensive public library service.

Today's move follows Andy Burnham’s request to Wirral Council in February to work with the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) on the proposed restructuring of library services. Following their work the MLA wrote to the Secretary of State to express concerns about the situation in the Wirral.

If the proposed changes to the library service are found to fall short of duties to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ public library service, the Inquiry will also include practical steps that should be taken by the Wirral to put things right.

The person appointed to carry out the Inquiry will be announced shortly.

The Inquiry will be the first of its kind since 1991.

Andy Burnham said: “Public libraries play a central role at the heart of our communities, providing a rich source of information, wisdom and learning. This is all the more true in difficult economic times.

"They should never be an optional extra for local authorities.

"I have a statutory responsibility to ensure everyone has access to a comprehensive and efficient service because ready access to high quality libraries for all is absolutely central to a truly public service.