Planned cuts to some library opening hours

Ellesmere Port Library could have its opening hours reduced by four hours a week

Libraries and museums in parts of Cheshire could have their opening hours reduced under new proposals.

Cheshire West and Chester Council said there would be a 6% reduction in opening hours spread across the area’s 22 sites, but all libraries would remain open.

Councillor Lisa Denson said the changes would “ensure consistency” across the borough so each area had access to library services throughout the week.

A public consultation on the proposals runs until the start of April.

The biggest change to opening hours would be in Ellesmere Port, where the library would close for an extra four hours a week.

Libraries in Frodsham, Little Sutton, Malpas, Tarporley, and Tattenhall would lose three hours a week.

There will be no change to the council’s mobile library service.

The authority is also looking to change hours at three of its museum sites.

Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse in Northwich would be closed for an additional six hours a week - although it would open earlier on the weekends.

The Lion Salt Works near Northwich would be shut for three extra hours a week and the Grosvenor Museum in Chester would be open for an extra 30 minutes.

The public consultation is taking place until 2 April.