Ms Charteris said: “I am aware that the debate around the council’s decision has aroused strong feelings, and it is important that I gain the fullest possible understanding of both the factual evidence and the range of different interests and opinions, before the formal Inquiry meeting itself.

“There is already a lot of documentation for me to read – including the consultation conducted by Wirral and the responses they received during that process – but I am also intending to hold a limited number of fact-finding site visits and pre-inquiry meetings.

“This will include a programme of short drop-in visits at the libraries in the Wirral – so that I get a real feel for the existing service and, as part of that programme, an opportunity to have conversations with the groups of library users who want to put their concerns to me in person.”

The inquiry, announced by Mr Burnham on April 3, will assess whether the proposed changes to the library service leave Wirral “in default of their statutory duties”.

The inquiry will start at 9.30am at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.