EIGHT more community libraries could be in the pipeline in Lancashire, according to county council bosses.


Under a first wave of ‘asset transfers’ former county council buildings are being handed over to community interest groups in Oswaldtwistle, Crawshawbooth, Trawden and Clayton-le-Moors.

County Cllr Marcus Johnstone, cultural services cabinet member, who also represents Burnley West and Padiham division, said there was now a community libraries manager in post to assist with future similar bids.

He told a full council meeting: “We have got past the stage of protests, we have got past the stage of petitions.

“Now it is down to those communities, whose library may have been affected, to come forward.

“I am expecting at least eight more community libraries to be established, from discussions which have taken place so far.”

Cllr David Borrow, the county council’s deputy leader, said that he is continuing to meet with senior officials on a weekly basis regarding the ongoing asset transfer programme.

He was hopeful that further similar announcements would be made in the coming weeks.

Libraries at Rosegrove, Briercliffe, Barrowford, Whalley, Read and Rishton were among those also closed.

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The assurances were given as Cllr David Whipp (West Craven) and Cllr Peter Britcliffe (Oswaldtwistle), welcomed the community library decisions for Trawden and Oswaldtwistle respectively.

Cllr Britcliffe said that if a Tory administration was elected in May it would offer financial assistance to community library groups.