Fury as Derbyshire mobile library cuts are approved

Residents have spoken out after councillors agreed to axe eight of Derbyshire’s mobile libraries.
Derbyshire's mobile library service.Derbyshire's mobile library service.
Derbyshire's mobile library service.

The controversial move, which was approved by Derbyshire County Council on Tuesday, will see just two vehicles serving 233 fewer communities.

On the Derbyshire Times’ Facebook page, Mel Bunting said: “This service should never be cut – it is a lifeline for people living in rural areas.

“Shame on the council.”

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Katherine Chapman added: “It’s such an important service – so sad.”

Currently, the ten vehicles visit 383 communities across Derbyshire which do not have a library.

But under the changes, the two vehicles will only be able to visit 150 areas four times a week.

Communities including Brampton and Matlock Bath will be affected.

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In addition, 20 members of staff look set to lose their jobs.

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The council is making the changes as it bids to save £157million by 2018 because of Government cuts.

Councillor Dave Allen, cabinet member for health and communities, said: “The proposals have been carefully considered to maintain a service to as many residents as we can while also making the necessary cuts.

“Sadly we have no choice but to review all our services but we are facing unprecedented budget cuts.”

The changes are expected to come into force at the start of next January.