Hundreds plead for council to stop library changes

Pleas to save four Coventry libraries that could be relocated will be heard by officials next week.

Hundreds of people have called on the council not to move the services in Bell Green, Canley, Coundon and Holbrooks out of their current buildings.

One petition, backed by almost 200 people, states libraries are the "heart of the community, safe spaces".

The city council is considering the move as part of cost-saving plans signed off in its budget in 2024.

Under the proposals the libraries would be moved to join other council services at venues including a leisure centre.

Three of the libraries would move to smaller spaces and have fewer books available, council officials said.

The potential change is part of a bid by the authority to save £3-4m annually in its budget .

Several petitions have been started against the moves and include one over the Holbrooks site, signed by more than 400 people.

Residents have "grave concerns" at the plans and said losing it would have "severe" effects on children, families and disabled people, it stated.

The petitions also claim moving the libraries would lead to fewer visitors.

Council officers said a decision on the changes could be rolled out "as early as possible in 2025" though could end as late as 2027.

A report for the council, published ahead of the meeting on Tuesday, said: "We want to provide positive and joined-up experiences for people accessing services, ensuring needs/issues can be identified and support provided at the earliest possible stage and in the most effective and efficient way."

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