WIRRAL’S controversial library closure plan would have been done differently if Government guidance had been available sooner, a senior councillor said last night.

The plan to shut 11 libraries was abandoned late last year on the eve of the publication of an inquiry report into the closures by Government inspector Sue Charteris.

The Government has now published its long-awaited review into public library provision, highlighting the role of Wirral’s closure plans.

But Wirral Council cabinet member for culture, Cllr Bob Moon, said they “would certainly” have gone about their plans – part of the Strategic Asset Review (SAR) into all council assets – differently if the Government report was available when the SAR was started.

The Government “blueprint for England’s public library service” sets out how it aims to ensure it is fit for purpose in the 21st century.

The Modernisation Review of Public Libraries: a Policy Statement makes it clear that books – and the right to borrow them and browse free of charge – must remain at the heart of the service, and emphasises free internet access as a key requirement.

The document proposes local authorities set out their own commitments on the stock of books, events and extra services such as CD and DVD loans, and the Government wants library authorities to have these in place by the end of this year.

It also suggests exploring partnerships with other services and businesses, such as post offices and coffee shops.

The statement proposes a new strategic body be considered to lead and develop the library sector and the power to advise the Government.