Oldham libraries will survive cuts

NO libraries will close in Oldham in the next financial year, council chiefs have revealed.

Oldham Council will lose almost £30 million in the next two years as part of Government spending cuts.

They will see their allocation slashed by £21 million next year followed by a further £8.4 million in 2012/13.

But Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet Member for Citizens and Neighbourhoods, insists libraries will not be affected in the 2011/2012 spending plans.

He said: "Our spending review was across the board and libraries were considered as part of that.

"However, this administration understands the importance of libraries to local communities and the valuable services they provide.

“We consider libraries to be a priority front-line service that we are protecting.

"We can confirm library services will not face any closures in the financial year 2011/12."

A House Of Commons debate this week into the future of libraries saw government pass responsibility over to local councils and residents if they wanted to keep the services open.

There is a public outcry across the country about libraries closing as part of the Government's spending cuts.