Campaign is launched to save city libraries

A BID to save Leicester libraries and community centres from possible closure and cuts has been launched by opposition councillors.

- By HANNAH RICHARDSON [e-mail] @HRichardsonLDR

The Leicester Conservative group has branded the proposed cuts "an absolute disgrace", adding that the service is a "lifeline" for communities.

The group's comments follow an announcement by Labour-led Leicester City Council that it was considering shutting two buildings, while a further 11 could be transferred to community groups which would run them.

Reductions in staff and opening hours are also on the cards for some libraries, with the cash-strapped council currently consulting on the proposals which it says would save £2.1 million a year.

Councillor Vi Dempster, assistant mayor for libraries, said local authorities up and down the country were having to "deal with the worst budget situations they have ever faced" after the previous Conservative government "completely decimated" funding for them.

The city authority needs to find £23 million of savings this year. Coun Dempster said no decisions had yet been made on the future of the service.

'EVERYONE SHOULD SPEAK UP'

Conservative councillors have launched a campaign to try to save the libraries, and have joined forces with other opposition groups to call on council leaders to halt the consultation and work to find alterna tive sources of savings.