100s of libraries face axe in cuts

HUNDREDS of public libraries could close this year as councils struggle to make savings.

The alert came after funding was cut by £25million to £919million a year.

Figures show 525 have shut since 2010 - nearly a tenth of the network - and another 111 face the axe.

Walsall, Swindon. Warrington and Lancashire are among areas set to be hit.

Bury in Greater Manchester is set to lose 10 of its 14 libraries to save £1.4million a year while 10 of Plymouth’s 17 libraries are under threat. Cam- paigners claim libraries are being unfairly targeted by Government cuts.

Last night a Government spokesman said it was committed to helping libraries flourish.

“Local authorities have almost £200billion to spend on services, including libraries, over the life of this parliament,” he added.

THREAT Public library