A FRIENDS of Darwen Library group is to be set up over fears council cut-backs will damage the service.

Names were taken of interested people after a meeting at the library in Knott Street which heard that Blackburn with Darwen Council were looking at reducing opening hours as part of £28 million budget cuts.

Under new plans, on some days it could open for as few as three hours, and there may be cuts to the fund for new books.

Whitehall Councillor David Foster said: “People can reluctantly see the need for cuts, but there is a lot of agreement that a friends’ group needs to be formed.

“There was a suggestion at the meeting that volunteers could help out, and perhaps extend the opening hours. There was also a suggestion that unwanted books and money could be donated.

“We don’t want students, or anyone else, missing out because they can’t get hold of the latest text books.

“Concern was also raised over the local history information, and the possibility it could be moved to Blackburn.”

Sunnyhurst town councillor Brenda Cronshaw said: “They have already saved money by not filling a vacancy, so how much more are these other cuts going to save? I want to see a balance sheet.”

Darwen Mayor Councillor Paul Browne said: “I’m all for the idea of a friends’ group. The library is vital to this town, with the books, the internet, children’s activities and art exhibitions, and it means a lot to the people.”

Councillor Damian Talbot of Blackburn with Darwen Council said he encouraged the formation of a friends’ group and that the views of residents had been taken into consideration.

He said: "The main proposals being looked at for the library and information service include reducing staffing to reflect reduced opening hours, replacing the mobile service where possible with our housebound service and a reduction in resources/book purchases.”

A final decision on service cuts will be made on March 7.