RIBBLE Valley councillors have come together to “fight” the proposed closure of several libraries and children’s centres.

A six-strong working group, chaired by Whalley councillor and deputy borough leader, Terry Hill, is looking into the impact of the potential losses of the centres.

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Lancashire County Council announced the proposed cuts in May, with dozens of buildings set to close.

The Ribble Valley services to shut include Chatburn Library, Longridge Young People’s Centre, Read Library, Pendleton Brook Day Centre, Slaidburn Young People’s Centre, Whalley Library and Spring Wood Children’s Centre and Willows Park Children Centre.

Cllr Hill said: “Community hubs such as libraries and children’s centres are vital in rural areas like Ribble Valley, where access to services is poor.

“We do appreciate the county council is under a lot of pressure at the moment, but we will fight to try and persuade it to change its mind.

“Whalley residents would have to travel to Clitheroe or Longridge to find their nearest library or day centre. Areas like Billington and Langho would also be affected as they use Whalley as a service hub.”

A report is to be drafted to send to the county council before the consultation deadline on August 14.

The services would be combined in ‘neighbourhood centres’, in a bid to save more than £200 million by 2021.

A spokesman for the County Council said: “We’re keen to receive feedback about the property strategy proposals during the consultation, including any alternative ideas which may help to shape the final proposals.“Our aim is to ensure people have good access to good services while achieving the huge savings the council needs to make.”