Mobile service scrapped
EVERY ward in Wigan will keep some form of library service - but the town’s mobile libraries will be scrapped, it has been revealed.
Culture chiefs are suggesting a series of proposals that will ensure the library service remains accessible following Government cuts of more than £1.1m in the budget.
These include a range of changes such as libraries sharing a building with other services in order to cut overheads.
The new-look library service will also see reduced opening hours in some libraries and staff rotation across centres.
And they have revealed that they have looked to high street store giants like Tesco and Sainsbury’s to develop the new model.
Under the proposal there will be three kinds of service - Libraries Central for main town centre; Libraries Local in smaller town centres and a slimmed-down version, Libraries Express.
The proposals are: Libraries Central (operating 50-55 hours a week): Wigan and Leigh town centres
Libraries Local (35-40 hours a week):
ASHTON - integration of a ‘Local Life Centre’ into the library.
GOLBORNE - integration with Day Care services and a Life Centre into existing building.
HINDLEY - move to the Day Care Centre.
LAMBERHEAD GREEN - no change.
STANDISH - no change.
TYLDESLEY - no change.
Libraries Express (Around 18 hours a week):
ASPULL - Remain within Children’s Centre and run by volunteers.
ATHERTON - Relocated to site of the 14 -19 education site opening next year.
INCE - Relocate to the Health and Community Centre.
HOPE - no change.
MARSH GREEN - no change
PLATT BRIDGE - no change.
SHEVINGTON - proposal to work in partnership with community via Parish council.
Although mobile libraries are being withdrawn, there will a ‘direct to door’ service for people with mobility issues in Abram, Orrell and Beech Hill.
Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture Coun Chris Ready said: “While savings have to be made the good news is that the proposal suggests that no area will be losing a library service.“
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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