CHESHIRE East Council plans to reduce the opening hours of libraries across the borough have been described as 'scandalous'.

A consultation has been launched by the council to get views on its proposals to cut the operating hours so all libraries would be closed for at least one and a half days during the week.

No changes to the opening hours are being proposed for libraries which are already closed for more than one and a half days a week.

This plan comes as the council faces having to fill a £20 million funding gap, although the amount of savings needing to be made from library services has been reduced.

But Knutsford resident Michael McErlean suggested there were other areas of waste within council services which could be targeted.

He said: "Any reduction in services damages the learning facility available to all age groups, particularly the young. 

"The library staff are helpful, knowledgeable and provide a huge support in directing the public to their specific areas of interest and relevant resources.

"I would suggest there are other areas of significant waste within council services which could be targeted with a view to addressing the shortfall in council finances.

"I would propose the council reviews the roles, salaries and benefits of senior management and bring in measurements as to each individual’s effectiveness with a view to reducing their hours, or ultimately making their role redundant, if appropriate.

"It strikes me the council is targeting libraries as an easy option, just because it’s easy.

"Shame on them. The proposals are nothing short of scandalous."

The consultation will run until July 9. You can take part online here:  surveys.cheshireeast.gov.uk/s/Library_Service_Consultation_2023.

Councillor Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, said: "This year, the development of a balanced budget and four-year financial plan for the council was made more difficult in the face of ongoing and significant national funding and cost pressures, including unprecedented inflation, alongside increased complexity, and demand for services.

"There is a £20m funding gap we need to fill, while also ensuring that we can continue to provide essential frontline services and deliver on our

"Proposals for the libraries service were included in the draft MTFS, which was consulted on in January.

"Having listened to the feedback gathered during that process, the amount of savings to be made from the library service has now been reduced, which means that people will still be able to access libraries on Saturdays and in the evenings, and the mobile library service will also not be reduced.

"But while we have been able to take action based on the feedback we received and of course recognise how valuable libraries are to local communities, savings must be made, and we have no choice but to change the way in which we operate our services.

"The proposals we are now consulting on mean that all our libraries can continue to offer the wide range of services they provide – alongside the wealth of online resources and services available digitally – but ensure we can also make the necessary savings the council must deliver to protect essential services."

The proposed changes in operating hours would see Knutsford and Holmes Chapel libraries close for a full extra day in the week, while Handforth and and Middlewich will close for an additional half day.

Wilmslow Library will close for a full day and a half, but there will be no change at Alderley Edge.

Paper copies of the consultation can also be found at each library.