Warwickshire libraries 'facing closure due to cuts'

Almost half of Warwickshire's libraries will be shut under county council plans to save about £2m, the BBC understands.

Sixteen of the county's 34 libraries - mainly in the north of the county - are to close, according to documents seen by the BBC.

It is understood the remaining libraries will have their opening hours reduced following public consultation from March 2011.

Warwickshire County Council refused to comment on the figures.

The libraries believed to be facing closure are: Baddesley, Bedworth Heath, Bidford on Avon, Binley Woods, Bulkington, Camp Hill, Dordon, Dunchurch, Harbury, Hartshill, Henley in Arden, Keresley, Kineton, Kingsbury, Studley and Water Orton.

Councillor Colin Hayfield, portfolio holder for customers, workforce and partnerships, said: "The reality of reductions in funding that the council is facing means we cannot afford to sustain the library network in its current form.

"We are reviewing the network of libraries and opening times, and we propose to consult with residents on the entire service between March and June this year.

"Final decisions will be made only after this process and we expect to have further details in July."