Plans to close three libraries

7:00pm Friday 20th October 2006

COUNCILLORS have reacted with fury after county council bosses announced the plann-ed closure of three Burnley libraries.

Colne Road, Briercliffe and Barbon Street are set to shut to make way for a new library at the new sixth form being built at Barden Lane as part of the Burnley Campus.

Work started on the site earlier this year, and the school is due to open by 2008 as part of the £250million Building Schools for the Future scheme.

But bosses at County Hall said no decision had been made yet. The new library will serve the school and community, providing a centre to access information, IT facilities, educational opportunities and books.

Councillors in Burnley said the announcement would cause anger in the areas where people could lose their libraries.

Coun Charlie Bullas, Lib Dem deputy leader of Burnley Council, said: "This will not be accepted by residents if they are going to have to traipse to Barden to change their library books.

"Have they done a full consultation with the people who are going to use the facilities, or lose their facilities?"

Briercliffe councillor Roger Frost said: "There has been a library in Briercliffe since 1830 and it would be real shame to see it and the two others close.

"I think the elderly in the village and the children at the primary school, who both use the library a lot, will lose out."

A meeting will be held to discuss the proposals next month.

County Councillor Chris Cheetham, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: "I'm looking forward to finding out what people think of this proposal as I believe it is an excellent opportunity for Burnley to have a brand new library.

"I understand that there will be concerns from current users of the libraries proposed for closure but I want to emphasise that this isn't about making cuts, it's about taking a unique opportunity to revitalise and modernise Burnley's library service.

"Barbon Street and Briercliffe are very small and not suitable for delivering modern libraries. The Colne Road facility is within half a mile of the new Burnley campus so the new library would effectively replace it.

"I will be listening to what people have to say about these plans."

The Burnley Campus will also include primary, special and nursery schools, day care facilities, a faith centre, theatre, auditorium and caf.

The meeting will be at 6.30pm on November 9 at the Enterprise Centre, Rossendale Road, Burnley.