A DECISION to allocate only one hour for a meeting on the future of four Bradford Council libraries has sparked protest by some councillors.

The Labour-controlled authority is proposing that all bar seven libraries will be either be closed or run by voluntary groups as part of budget proposals to be thrashed out by the full council next month.

The futures of Silsden, Baildon, Burley and Menston libraries will be consulted on at a meeting in Keighley Library from 6pm to 7pm today.

An informal 'drop-in' session will also be held from 4pm to 6pm.

The opposition Conservative group's education spokesman, Cllr Debbie Davies, said it was unfair to grant such little time to hearing views on such an important subject and that Keighley is an inconvenient venue.

"Bradford's got its magnificent seven libraries it wants to keep open and it's just tough luck for the rest of us and having such a short meeting in Keighley is an insult," said Cllr Davies.

"Many people who care about libraries are elderly, without private transport or have young families and won't be able to get there.

"Why has Bradford Council decided to do this and with very little warning? It has had months to sort this out, yet it is behaving as if it's just cropped up.

"I'm not against making savings and community-run libraries may run very well in some places, but this is not a user-friendly way of doing things."

Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr Jeanette Sunderland, joined the criticism.

"The council needs to be more responsive – it is ridiculous not to talk to people about this properly," she said.

"I believe communities are quite resilient and will support their libraries, but change is difficult. So it's barmy not to engage with people – the council must consult properly."

But Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, the council's executive member in charge of libraries, defended the manner of the public consultation process.

"It's good local councillors are playing their part in publicising the library budget proposals, however they also need to focus their energies on finding a solution for how to sustain local public services in the face of massive Government cuts," she said.

"Consultation events are being held in those libraries that have the most space and best accessibility to most people. While Baildon may have good accessibility for Baildon, it is not very accessible for Silsden. Keighley Library is a large venue with good town centre access and nearby parking."