PROPOSALS which could have put Holmes Chapel’s library at risk of future closure have been shelved by Cheshire East Council.

In a pre-budget consultation, the council had earmarked libraries in Alderley Edge, Disley and Prestbury for closure to save £150,000, with Holmes Chapel and Bollington flagged up for future consideration.

However, overwhelming public feedback has halted any changes, with 326 comments opposing the plans – including seven directly mentioning Holmes Chapel Library in London Road.

Respondents are quoted in a CEC report as saying: “Closure of Holmes Chapel Library will affect me and my family.

“I would have to drive to alternate as the bus to next nearest library (Sandbach) is being discontinued.”

Others called Holmes Chapel Library an ‘essential service’, and urged the council not to transfer it to Everybody Sport and Recreation as had been mooted.

A CEC spokesman said: “The council acknowledges that the consultation has received a large number of objections to the proposal to close these libraries.

“The council has decided to keep all of the libraries open.”

Alderley Edge, Disley and Prestbury libraries are set to be monitored, with closure proposals to resurface if usage ‘declines significantly’.

Holmes Chapel Parish Council reassured resident back in January that there were no plans to close the village library in the near future.

Cllr Brian Bath, council chairman, said: “The library provides many other important services for our residents.

"It’s not all about books – the availability of computers is an example as well as many events they organise.

“Holmes Chapel Parish Council encourages all residents to continue to make the best use of these services. The saying ‘use it or lose it’ springs to mind.”