Libraries in North East Lincolnshire face closure amid £500k cuts

WE WILL fight the closure of any libraries!

That was the pledge from local councillors as North East Lincolnshire Council announced there would have to be dramatic changes to the service, which needs to save up to £500,000 next year.

Although no firm proposals have been put forward, closing some of the ten existing libraries, reducing opening hours, moving libraries into shared premises or handing them over to the community to run are some of the options being considered.

The council is now seeking the views of residents in an eight-week public consultation, before it draws up plans for a revised library service, due to take effect from March next year.

But local councillors and library users have already spoken out against plans to close libraries or reduce opening hours.

Councillor Ron Shepherd (UKIP, Scartho), said: "I will be vehemently opposed to any closure."

Councillor Steve Beasant (Lib Dem, East Marsh) described the Grant Thorold Library in his ward as a "lifeline" to the community.

"It would be a very sad state of affairs if this library were to close."

And one member of the public said less money should be spent on "drug addicts and alcoholics" and more on community libraries. But, by 2014-15, the library service will need to reduce its overall costs by approximately £300,000 to £500,000 as part of the council's overall cost savings.

News of the review comes just days after Lincolnshire County Council's executive committee rubber-stamped plans to turn 30 libraries into volunteer-run 'community hubs'.

Now campaigners have threatened to launch a legal challenge to contest closures.

There are currently ten libraries operating in North East Lincolnshire at a cost of around £3 million each year.

A total of 96,496 people are registered library users in North East Lincolnshire, including 20,732 children. Of these, 16,742 are considered active users, having borrowed at least one item in the past 12 months.

Last year, a total of 683,545 visits were made to libraries in North East Lincolnshire, and 501,125 books issued.

Councillor Mick Burnett, portfolio holder for tourism, leisure and culture, said: "We need to consider all options and most importantly we need to seek the views of the local community.

"We have a duty to provide a good quality library service, but the stark facts are that we can't afford to provide the same level of financial support for the libraries as we have done in the past.

"The library service has been making efficiency savings for a number of years through reducing opening hours, reducing the expenditure on book stock and stopping the mobile library service. But this is not enough – we need to do more, but we need people to help us by telling us what they need out of a 21st Century library.

"I want people to get involved and have their say. Perhaps someone has an idea we haven't considered. All comments will be welcome."

The consultation questionnaire is available in hard copy from libraries or customer access points or online at www.nelincs.gov.uk.

The deadline for responses is noon on January 31.