Pupil protest leads to U-turn on library closure

A Cheshire council has made a U-turn on plans to close a popular library after a protest by local school children.

Warrington Council had planned to shut Westbrook Library as part of a wider effort to cut more than £30m in costs.

It led to a demonstration by children from St Philip's Westbrook Primary School in April and backlash in a consultation on wider cost-cutting plans for to the council's libraries service.

The council's deputy leader Jean Flaherty said the library would remain open with a reduced service after "a large number of people passionately expressed how much they value" the site.

More than 2,000 people responded to a consultation held earlier this year on changes to the council's library service, which included closing the the Westbrook Library and introducing a tiered opening system for other sites.

It would mean some libraries would be run on reduced hours, while others would become self-service and have no dedicated staff.

The council has now proposed turning Westbrook library into a self-service operation after the backlash from pupils and the public.

Flaherty said it was clear the loss of the facility "would be keenly felt, not least as a key venue for local groups and clubs in the area".

Efforts are now underway to work out how the space can generate enough income to cover its costs, including using the library as a space for community activities.

The council has committed to working with other services and the Friends of Westbrook Library to provide a future for the facility, with the hope it can be self-funded in two years.

She said the plan takes on board the community feedback while enabling the council to "make the savings we need".

The council is set to discuss the matter at a meeting next month and, if approved, consultations will be held with staff and trade unions over the changes.

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