NIGEL Evans has condemned Lancashire County Council’s decision to once more put Whalley Library up for sale.

The Ribble Valley Tory MP spoke out after it was announced last week that the community hub, which acts both as a village library and children’s centre, had been placed back on the market.

The library was initially listed for sale on New Year’s Eve but was taken off the market after councillors Terry Hill and Ged Mirfin of the ‘Save Whalley Library’ campaign held a meeting with civil society minister Rob Wilson.

The county council has blamed a budget deficit for the closure of the library

It comes as three-weeks-ago the authority voted through a 3.99 per cent increase in council tax.

Mr Evans said: “People will look at the increase in council tax and the decrease in public services throughout Lancashire and begin to question where their money is going.

“If the Conservatives win the May county council election, we will fight to strengthen public services throughout Lancashire and give the public real value for money.

“It is paramount that such a steep increase in council tax creates a noticeable difference to the quality of life for Lancashire’s residents.”

The elections to the county council are set to take place on Thursday, May 4.