Page last updated at 15:23 GMT, Monday, December 19 2011

Council acts to protect local libraries

Eastleigh Borough Council has acted to protect local library services for local residents following positive partnership working with Hampshire County Council and local Parish and Town Councils.

Earlier this year, Hampshire County Council’s announced plans to reduce spending on libraries including changes to library hours and closures.  In particular, this included a proposal to close Eastleigh library and the Registrar’s Office on a Monday.  These plans have now been withdrawn and the library will continue to open on Monday although the library will have fractionally shorter opening hours each day in place of this closure.

At Hedge End and West End libraries, thanks to a financial commitment from the borough’s Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee to provide scanning equipment, and from the Town and Parish Councils to work with the library service to recruit volunteers, the proposal to reduce library opening hours has been withdrawn in its entirety.  Both local councils aim to increase the opening hours in 2012. 

Council Leader Keith House said  “The Council has worked hard to protect local library services for residents by working in partnership with County, Parish and Town councils. We also have plans to build a new library along with a community centre and doctor’s surgery in Bursledon next year. This work is to be supervised by Bursledon Parish Council and is an example of another good news story of joint working between councils, and shows the Coalition Government’s “Big Society” in action.