Changes to the library service across the Valley could be investigated by a government inquiry.
Karen Bradley MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, has announced she is ‘minded’ to order an inquiry into cuts to provision by Lancashire County Council (LCC) to determine whether they will offer a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ library service across the county.
County hall are in the process of closing and selling library buildings across Lancashire as part of a £262 million budget reduction plan.
In Rossendale, Crawshawbooth library has been closed, but Bacup and Whitworth library which were also faced with closure, remain open while proposals to secure their long-term future as fully serviced libraries are considered by LCC.
The outcome of the proposals, which are being assessed separately to the community asset transfers and business cases, is yet to be officially confirmed.
Sue Nielson, from the Friends of Whitworth Library Group, welcomed the possible inquiry.
She said: “I really hope the government see it through as it gives us a bit more of a reprieve. I think it is a positive thing.
“The government seem to be saying they don’t feel the cutbacks are justified and don’t give an effective service in certain areas in Lancashire.
“We have never given up hope for Whitworth. This inquiry may make the council think again and think that we are worth funding.”
Before making a final decision, Ms Bradley has asked the local authority to provide answers to 19 questions about the consultations and their decision-making process.
Following the decision to close the libraries, objections were received arguing that LCC was failing to carry out duties imposed on it by the 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act to provide a comprehensive service.
Jo Turton, LCC chief executive, said a potential inquiry was ‘disappointing’. She said: “The changes we are making will contribute towards the huge savings the council needs to make, while ensuring that people still have good access to library services through an extensive network across the county.
“We have also worked hard with community groups to start establishing a number of community-run libraries which will add to our already comprehensive network, with the majority of the population living within two miles of a library service.
“We are confident that once the Secretary of State takes a look at the additional information we will be supplying, she will decide that a public inquiry is definitely not needed.”
Article originally published by Rossendale Free Press
