Member of the Senedd for Vale of Clwyd, Gareth Davies MS has encouraged local residents in Denbighshire to take part in a public library consultation being run by Denbighshire County Council.
The consultation which opened on 3rd October and runs until 30th October is asking local residents on their views about the future of library services across the county.
The Council needs to find significant savings for the next financial year. A large number of services are being asked to make changes to support these savings, including the Libraries service.
After Denbighshire County Council discussed a number of different options, they felt the best way to manage this would be a 50% reduction in the opening hours across Denbighshire’s Library and One Stop Shop service.
Commenting on the consultation and the possibility of library opening hours being cut by 50%, Mr Davies said: "this is very concerning news for local residents who rely on our library services across Denbighshire, we have to remember that libraries are not just for books these days, they provide internet access for people who can't afford the internet and devices, warm spaces for people in the winter, and also One Stop Shop facilities for local people to pay their Council Tax and bills. Therefore I'm disappointed to see the council propose a 50% reduction in opening hours which will affect the most vulnerable people in Denbighshire"
Mr Davies went onto say, "I encourage as many people in the county to engage with the online consultation to give council chiefs and leaders a true reflection of people's views, as I've already been contacted by many worried constituents who rely on these services which the council have an obligation to provide. It's only right that Denbighshire listens to local people and keep our local services open and accessible for the sustainable future."
