Council could consider closing libraries

Consulting on the possible closure of several libraries needs to be considered, Shropshire Council's culture and communities manager has said.

In a letter to Ludlow Town Council, Pete Banford said that all possible efficiency savings had been implemented, and difficult decisions now needed to be looked at.

Other measures included the reduction of opening hours at libraries and a reduction in the county's mobile library service.

"It is important to stress that these are only proposals," said Banford, adding: "No decision has been made yet, and any decisions will only be made following public consultation."

Last September, Shropshire Council declared a financial emergency and has been granted exceptional financial support from the government.

During the previous financial year, Banford said the library service had been making good progress towards achieving a saving of £200,000.

But for 2026-27 the manager said it would be "a significant challenge to maintain library services" whilst responding to the council's "financial emergency".

The authority has a legal duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for those who live, work or study and want to access the service in the local area.

Any significant service changes will require public consultation and a needs assessment.

The council said it was considering all aspects of the library service, while aligning with the needs assessment.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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