'˜Ridiculous' to axe library after refurb

Robert Swain said that Lancashire County Council should have considered the possibility of its closure before spending £282,895.21 on a complete refurbishment in summer 2015.

Bolton-le-Sands library is on a list of county council services that could face the axe.

The county council said 40 of its 73 library buildings would close as part of cost cutting measures. Mr Swain, who has penned a number of books including Morecambe Bay Rambles and A Walker’s Guide to the Lancaster Canal, said: “To my mind, it is ridiculous to list Bolton-le-Sands Library for possible closure following such major expenditure.

“Surely the possibility of closure should have been considered before authorising refurbishment.

“The library is used by many people in various ways besides the borrowing of books, and is somewhat a social centre for the village.”

Julie Bell, the county council’s head of libraries, museums, culture and registrars, said: “We are not yet at a stage where we have identified which of our libraries will be proposed for closure and will listen carefully to all views expressed during the 12-week consultation period.

“Libraries still play an important role in our communities...and also play a vital role in improving people’s health and wellbeing by providing ways for them to learn about a variety of subjects, which is proven to help improve people’s mental wellbeing.”

A spokesman said the refurbishment was completed before the proposals to reduce the library network were produced.

Proposals on which libraries will close will be published before May 8.