Plans by a community group to take over Hoylake Library look set to be dashed.
The Life Tree had wanted to use the building to host book clubs and story time sessions, as well being a base for community groups and events, with a cafe.
Last October, the organisation was given more time to work with other groups to explore ways of raising additional income and offsetting some of the costs to meet the local authority’s requirement that proposals are viable, with a “proportionate” residual demand on council resources.
But they were contacted earlier this week and told their bid is recommended to be turned down.
In a post on social media, Suzanne Rippon from The Life Tree said: “Just wanted to let everyone know, it’s is with a really heavy heart that we have been rejected for our bid for the Hoylake library.
“The past 13 months have been so tough, but I just want you all to know myself and the many, many people behind me tried with every bit of all we had to get it right. But sadly it wasn’t enough.
“Thank you so much to each and every one of you for your belief and support. Thank you so much for just being the best community I could ever wish to be part of.”
If councillors agree the recommendation at the next meeting of the tourism, communities, culture and leisure committee, it is thought the local authority will look at marketing the building for commercial use.
The library is one of nine across Wirral that closed as part of £27 million of budget cuts being implemented this year.
