COUNCILLORS from across South Craven have spoken out against cost-cutting proposals to make Cross Hills Library volunteer-run.

North Yorkshire County Council is consulting on proposals to make Cross Hills and three other Craven libraries – Bentham, Ingleton and Settle – community managed, receiving support from a core library at Skipton.

The county council’s library budget has fallen from £7.8 million in 2010 to an expected £4.2 million by 2019-20.

South Craven ward councillor, Philip Barrett, said: “Crippling budget cuts have placed the county council in an extremely difficult position. However, having examined the consultation proposals in detail, I don’t believe they would provide the best library service possible from the available £4.2 million reduced budget.

“Alternative proposals need to be considered, which could also reduce the unrealistic reliance on volunteer-run community libraries throughout Craven.”

Representatives from the library service joined several South Craven parish councillors in attending a meeting of Glusburn and Cross Hills Parish Council to discuss the library consultation, which ends on February 8.

Glusburn and Cross Hills Parish Council vice-chairman, Cllr Patrick Hargreaves, said: “It seems to be accepted the big libraries will be retained while the smaller ones, like ours, are having to the shoulder the balance of the cuts.”

He added the proposed cuts “seemed rigid”.

“From my point of view, they need to look at these libraries on a case by case basis,” said Cllr Hargreaves. “Cross Hills Library has a higher proportion of younger users (aged up to 15), the building is bought and paid for and running costs are relatively low compared to other library premises.”

A Sutton Parish Council spokesman said: “It serves all of this area. It was refurbished a few years ago, and attendance has doubled since that time. We’re concerned about keeping the quality of service.”

l See this week's letters on pages 12 and 13 for further comment.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@keighleynews.co.uk or write to The Editor, Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 3AG. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number in case we need to contact you.