LIBRARY users are to be asked what they think of plans to change services in light of massive cutbacks to county council services.

Some branches in Hampshire are to lose paid staff and 100 stops deemed unviable face the chop as the authority bids to shave off 12 per cent from its budget.

Under plans to save £130,000, the five-strong fleet of mobile libraries will be reduced to three by next year.

But the service, which takes library books to isolated rural areas, nursing homes and the housebound, will also be slashing stops by nearly a third.

Those under threat include three in Fareham, six in Eastleigh, eight in the Romsey area, ten in Winchester and 26 in the New Forest.

As reported, this comes on top of threats to three libraries which are expected to shed their staff, to save £50,000, including Milford on Sea.

It is hoped volunteers will step forward as they did last year for libraries in North Baddesley and Stanmore but if no one comes forward the libraries face closure.

The transfer of these two libraries to local community groups has been very successful, say county council bosses.

The opening hours at both these libraries have increased since their transfer to the local community, with Stanmore’s book issues increasing by 14 per cent and North Baddesley’s by 18 per cent. Views are also being sought on a review of the least-used mobile library stops.

The consultation runs until Friday, May 2. To take part in this public consultation visit hants.gov.uk/library and complete online form or email library.customers comments@hants.gov.uk.

Alternatively consultation forms are available at Milford on Sea library and are being given out to mobile library customers.

If your local group or organisation is interested in exploring the opportunity to take over full responsibility for Milford on Sea library please contact Alec Kennedy, Head of Library Operations, Library Headquarters, Units 5 and 6 Moorside Place, Moorside Road, Winchester, SO23 7FZ, or email alec.kennedy@hants.gov.uk.