Ex-deputy leader criticises library cuts plan

Four libraries could have their opening hours cut

The former deputy leader of Cheshire East Council has criticised the council's plans to cut library opening hours.

Craig Browne said he "strongly" opposed the proposals, which would see some libraries only receiving funding to stay open for one-and-a-half-days a week.

Mr Browne stood down as the leader of the Independent group, which runs the council in coalition with Labour, in February.

Cheshire East Council has been approached for comment.

Craig Browne was deputy leader of Cheshire East Council until February

Mr Browne, who is a ward councillor for Alderley Edge, said the proposals were based on "flawed evidence and an inadequate committee report".

"I have also been very clear that I will not continue to support the administration at Cheshire East Council should it implement these proposals in an unamended form," he said.

A public consultation is currently under way on the library proposals.

It would include placing sites into tiers, with the tier three sites in Alderley Edge, Bollington, Disley and Handforth receiving funding to be open for two days a week.

Parish and town councils could contribute towards keeping libraries open for longer.

Tim Roca, the Labour MP for Macclesfield which includes Bollington and Disley, has raised concerns about the cuts to library opening hours.

A report last month warned that Cheshire East Council could be facing issuing a section 114 order, which is when a local authority is effectively bankrupt.