Local library opening hours may be cut

On Monday 2nd March 2015 Buckinghamshire County Council launched a six-week consultation launched on proposed revisions to library opening hours.

Martin Phillips, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement at Buckinghamshire County Council has said that pressures on the County Council’s 2015/16 budget meant making savings in all areas and the Libraries Service needed to save £270,000.

The proposed revising to library opening hours is to more closely match the times when most people used them.

Martin said : ‘We’re under enormous pressure from reduced government revenue support, and we have to balance people’s needs with the way we spend their taxes. We are committed to delivering an efficient service and I know that if the new hours are informed by the views of our customers, then we’ll be able to ensure value for money.‘

The plan is to reduce opening hours between 5.5 and 8.5 hours a week and affects only the county-run branch libraries at Aylesbury, Amersham, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham, Hazlemere, High Wycombe, Marlow, Micklefield and Princes Risborough.

Comments on the proposal can be made via the County Council’s Have Your Say web page www.buckscc.gov.uk/haveyoursay or in writing at all libraries.

The County Council will also be be canvassing Council Parish and town councils, along with Local Area Forums and community organisations for feedback.

‘These are challenging times, yet my commitment remains as strong as ever to continue developing our libraries as active hubs in their communities,’ said Martin.