Libraries could be facing a cutback in opening hours after the budget for council-run services in Buckinghamshire was slashed.

Buckinghamshire County Council run libraries – including Amersham, High Wycombe, Marlow and Beaconsfield, could see a scaling back of up to 8.5 hours per week under new plans.

It comes after BCC said “enormous” budget pressures were forcing its hand on the issue, with councillors deciding to shave £270,000 from the Library Services budget for 2015/16.

Martin Phillips, Cabinet member for community engagement defended the proposal, which comes less than a month after BCC agreed to raise council tax by 1.99 per cent.

He said: “We're under enormous pressure from reduced government revenue support, and we have to balance people's needs with the way we spend their taxes.

“We are committed to delivering an efficient service and I know that if the new hours are informed by the views of our customers, then we'll be able to ensure value for money.”

Residents are being asked for their feedback as part of a six-week consultation on the plan launched today.

The announcement comes just weeks after figures revealed visitor numbers to Bucks libraries are on the decline.

Footfall fell from 1,658,769 in 2013 to 1,560,239 in 2014 - a decrease of 98,530.

However, Cllr Phillips said last month that more people than ever are making use of computer services, with visitors telling the BFP that they would find it difficult to live without using library computers to access the internet.

And some users said they would be prepared to pay more council tax in order to keep services at the current level.

 

The plan - reducing opening hours between 5.5 and 8.5 hrs a week - affects county-run branch libraries at Aylesbury, Amersham, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham, Hazlemere, High Wycombe, Marlow, Micklefield and Princes Risborough.

Currently, High Wycombe Library is open for 51 hours a week and Marlow’s for 42.5 hours per week.

Wycombe District Council has agreed to move tourist information services in Marlow to the library, with the same happening in Princes Risborough.

It is not yet clear whether WDC’s services would have to be cut in line with the opening hours cutbacks.

Comments can be made via the county council's Have Your Say web page www.buckscc.gov.uk/haveyoursay or in writing at all libraries.

Parish and town councils, along with Local Area Forums and community organisations, will also be canvassed for feedback.