A GOVERNMENT report into the now abandoned plans by Wirral Council to shut 11 libraries has said the authority would have been in breach of its statutory duties.

The report by Government-appointed inspector Sue Charteris also says the plans would "disadvantage relatively isolated and deprived communities".

MS Charteris said: “There are some specific needs for adults that have not been addressed. These include the specific requirements for older people, disabled people, unemployed people, and those living in deprived areas.”

In her report, Ms Charteris said there was an “absence of a strategic plan for or review of the Library Service” and as such “the council’s approach to re-visioning the service was fundamentally flawed, because their approach focused specifically on the issue of asset management and cost savings”.

In one of the most damning lines in the report, Ms Charteris said the closures would be "better described as an indication of intent rather than a fully worked-up plan".

Had the plans not been abandoned, Ms Charteris had recommended Wirral Council produce a clear plan within six months and updates after five years.