'Strong concern' over potential library closures

Concerns have been raised about the future of libraries in one borough after a suggestion was put forward to permanently shut two venues.

David Rutley, the Conservative MP for Macclesfield, said Cheshire East Council had put forward proposals to close libraries in Bollington and Disley.

Libraries in Alderley Edge and Handforth were also thought to be at risk, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Cheshire East Council said a consultation was set to take place in the coming months but no final decisions had yet been made.

Cheshire East Council currently has 16 libraries across the borough as well as a mobile library service.

All four of the libraries that are thought to be at risk are in the north of the borough.

Mr Rutley said there was “strong concern” from residents and that he was actively campaigning to save the libraries.

“The proposals to close both Bollington and Disley libraries have been put forward at a time when Cheshire East Council is also planning to close local recycling centres, threatening the future of leisure centres, as well as introduce car parking charges,” he said.

“As local communities are now facing the withdrawal of several vital services, it is time for Cheshire East Council to demonstrate its commitment to the north-east of the borough, re-think these decisions and take the time to engage more locally to achieve better outcomes.”

Opening hours at some libraries were cut last year and Cheshire East Council were also currently reviewing household waste centres, which could see sites in Bollington, Middlewich and Poynton face closure.

The council has faced funding pressures in recent months, with £30m of cuts signed off in its latest budget.

Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East's environment and communities committee, said the council's medium term financial strategy included proposals to ensure the "ongoing affordability of providing a broad range of library services" while making "necessary savings" to protect essential services.

He added the council would consider a report next month which would seek approval to launch a public consultation "on a number of options for library services, including how some of the council's smaller libraries can be operated in a different way".

"No final decisions have yet been made."

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