Telford library hours could be cut to save cash

Library opening hours across Telford could be slashed as the cash-strapped borough council looks to save more than £330,000 to help bridge a £20 million funding gap.

The borough's nine libraries are currently open for an average of just over 32 hours a week, which could be reduced to an average of just over 27 hours a week.

The council's cabinet will meet on Thursday to approve the measures, which the authority says will not see any libraries closed.

The council needs to save 20 per cent of the budget for libraries, totalling £330,392, through reducing opening hours and by locating other services at libraries.

This could mean parish councils sharing library buildings or First Point services operating out of the four busiest libraries in the borough – Telford, Wellington, Newport and Madeley, which cater for more than 75 per cent of users.

Councillor Arnold England, cabinet member for leisure and wellbeing, said: "These proposals would help deliver a sustainable library service providing co-operative opportunities with town and parish councils and other partners including schools.

"No library would have to close and by presenting a proposal which has been informed by public opinion, the suggestion to change library opening hours should suit our users."