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| County Councillor Brian Dash outside Hythe library |
Local County Councillor Brian Dash has voiced concern at plans by Hampshire County Council to cut spending on library staff and books.
The ruling Conservative Group on Hampshire County Council have announced plans to save £1 million by making one third of Hampshire's professional librarians redundant.
A further £250,000 is to be cut from the Library Book Fund.
Now Liberal Democrat Councillor Brian Dash who represents Hythe & Dibden is worried that the cuts could mean that local library users will get a poorer service in
future.
"Any move to cut the number of staff and books in our libraries is bound to result in a poorer service for local library users", said Councillor Dash today.
"I am seeking assurances that Hythe library will not see any reduction in the quality and quantity of books available or any reduction in the number of staff who serve the public.
"Hampshire County Council has a rotten record on library provision. Hampshire spends less on books per head of population than any other English county and has suffered the greatest decline in the number of library users as a result.
"Many library buildings are in a poor state of repair but our local libraries are still highly valued bylocal residents. I am determined to ensure that the cuts announced by the Conservative-run County Council do not damage library services in this area. I hope that local library users will join me in making their views heard.
"We should be investing in improvements to our libraries, not cutting spending on one of the most valuable services provided by the County Council."
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