BURNLEY'S Liberal Democrat leader Gordon Birtwistle, has been accused of fuelling 'wild rumours' that five of the town's libraries are to close in a county cut-back to save cash.

Labour economic spokesman Tony Harrison, told the council no closure decisions had been made. He said: "Coun Birtwistle is only trying to score political points against the county council."

But recreation chairman Barry Guttridge, said he had asked town hall officers to write to county to get a clear picture of the position.

The debate followed claims by Pendle Liberal Democrat county councillor David Whipp that the Lancashire authority could close 27 libraries, including 15 in East Lancashire, as part of moves to slash £370,000 from the library service budget this year and next.

Labour leaders accused Coun Whipp of causing trouble for political reasons. Library service chairman Hazel Harding, said no decision could be made until the Government told the county council what it had to spend next year and although committee chairmen are starting to look at next year's budget, it would not be fixed until February.

Coun Harding said £100,000 of savings had been made this year without the need to close any libraries and it was the last thing any councillor wanted.

But Coun Whipp said Labour wanted to keep the closure option a secret.

In Burnley, Coun Birtwistle said he was seriously concerned, adding it was amazing that Burnley always seemed to bear the brunt of any county closures.

He added: "They will have a serious fight on their hands if they even think of closing any libraries in Burnley."

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