A BARNOLDSWICK councillor is campaigning against cuts in library opening hours.

Lancashire county councillor David Whipp, who serves Pendle Rural, is fighting to stop Barnoldswick and Nelson’s library hours being cut.

“Lancashire County Council is proposing cutting library opening hours at Barnoldswick's library by four hours,” said Cllr Whipp. “The cut would end Tuesday afternoon opening and see library hours reduced on Mondays. Nelson would see library hours slashed by nine hours.

“In Barnoldswick, the plans are to cut hours on a Monday, with a 5pm rather than 6pm closure, and closing at 1pm on Tuesdays instead of 5pm. Wednesdays would see an extra hour, with opening until 7pm. The current pattern of opening was agreed after consultation with library users a couple of years ago.

“The changes would harm people's access to the popular computer facilities which are well used during afternoons and limit the extra activities that the library has been developing.

“The ruling group at County Hall say the changes are to 'standardise' opening hours across the county.

“We must fight to keep our opening hours; Barnoldswick's library is a wonderful facility which I'm very proud of. Cutting the hours like this is a disgrace.

“The library is a lifeline for people needing digital access to services as well as traditional library facilities.

“The county council has begun consultation on cutting hours, which will run until the end of November.”

People wanting to protest can fill in the online survey at https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=150659574987 or fill in a paper copy available at the library.