Cheshire East Council has come under renewed pressure from Tatton MP Esther McVey to scrap any plans it has to further reduce library times across the area.
Under proposals Handforth and Alderley Edge could see their libraries only open for one and a half days a week. Knutsford would also face revised opening times, based on when it is busiest, according to the council and Wilmslow would become a library hub offering core library services, along with free support around health, employment skills and education.
Ms McVey said: “Last year the council consulted on its proposed slashing of library services but following the uproar from local communities it scaled back some of its plans. Just over a year on and here we are again at the end of another consultation into more cuts to library services.
“I wish the council would understand residents are fed up with the constant threat to services. I hope the council will look at the responses, realise libraries are well-loved facilities and abandon these plans to keep reducing hours.”
Under the plans each of the libraries were put into a tier, with locations included in the top tier becoming hubs, second tier libraries seeing revised opening hours and the third tier locations being “community libraries” offering a small range of activities and manned for 1.5 days a week.
Ms McVey added: “Libraries are not only places where people borrow books, they are community hubs, offer services including access to a computer, help filling in forms and also as outreach venues for both vulnerable adults and toddler groups. While the council may say there will be a super hub in Wilmslow – what about people in Handforth and Alderley Edge who want to use the provision for the other 3.5 days a week their libraries will not be open and it will be difficult for many people to travel to either Wilmslow, or Knutsford.
“The council must stop salami slicing services and keep library services accessible for all across the borough.”
