Sadly I could not attend the Inquiry this morning at the Floral Pavilion, because I was Chairing a Wirral MAP meeting at the Lauries Centre in Birkenhead. As soon as that finished I hotfooted it across to the Floral to meet with my colleagues and in time to catch Alan Stennard being grilled by Sue Charteris and Annabel from the DCMS. From all accounts, and from the part I witnessed, Alan Stennard was not given an easy ride! It’s clear from proceedings yesterday and this morning that the Council’s case for Library closures has totally collapsed.
After lunch the QC representing the Council (rumoured to be on £15,000) summed up for the Council. When he finished he was asked by Sue Charteris to elaborate on an early point he made in his submission, he could not remember what it was he said and Annabel from the DCMS had to prompt him, I ask you? That in itself is bad enough but the QC then goes on to say thank you, that is an important point I was making! So important he could not remember it until prompted? He is clearly real value for money!
Anyway we await the draft report and recommendations from Sue Charteris,and we are told we can expect a decision by the end of July. If justice is to be done, the Library’s earmarked for closure will be spared, and this Labour Lib Dem Cabinet disgraced by its actions. Read a resume of this mornings proceedings by clicking here
It really is time for change at Wirral Council!
