Warwickshire libraries attract community groups

Sixteen community groups have declared an interest in running library services in Warwickshire.

Warwickshire County Council said the groups showed an interest after it said it had to cut £2m from the libraries budget over the next three years.

Councillors held a 12-week consultation on the future of Warwickshire Libraries and Information Service.

It ended on 9 June and the council will now consider the comments they received ahead of a cabinet meeting in July.

The Conservative-run council has proposed closing 16 of the 34 buildings it currently operates.

A council spokesman said the authority had to reduce its budget by up to £60m across all services, and must cut £2m from its £7.4m Libraries and Information Service budget.

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