WHEN I hear the word “consultation”

I tend to shiver a little.

I cannot be the only cynic who believes it generally masks a reality — proposed action will be taken whatever people say.

But when it comes to the possible cull of Bolton branch libraries I have to hope, possibly naively, that the exercise will be conducted in the right spirit.

Spending cuts forced on Bolton Council by the coalition government have created a threat to popular local facilities in Breightmet, Astley Bridge, Bromley Cross, Heaton, High Street in Daubhill, Castle Hill in Tonge Moor, Oxford Grove in Halliwell, The Orchards in Farnworth and Harwood.

It seems safe to assume that users in all these places will be fighting for their retention.

I note that Paul Wild, a friend and former colleague who is seeking to become a Conservative councillor in Astley Bridge, has already launched a campaign to save his local library.

There is a 12-week consultation period that started on March 1 and finishes at midnight on Friday, May 20.

As seems inevitable these days, we are being encouraged to register our views via an online survey available at bolton.gov.uk/librar ies I found it eventually among lots of other stuff about the library service and filled it in. Somewhat ironically, anyone without internet access can use the computers at their local library — before it shuts, perhaps.

Also, hard copies will be available on request for those who prefer a paper version.

It will be a tragedy if any of these branches is forced to close and I suspect there will be an enthusiastic, angry response to this consultation.

I believe Harwood library is a popular, well-used facility and any attempt to shut it would be stupid and socially regressive.

No doubt others elsewhere in the town feel the same way about their local branch.