COUNCIL chief executive Sean Harriss has hit back at criticism that the consultation on the future of libraries is biased and too complicated.

Campaigners from the Save Bolton Libraries Campaign claim the new consultation is “biased” and too difficult for many people to fill in — making the decision to close the five libraries a “fait accompli”.

But Mr Harriss said that the fact the authority had already received more than 1,000 responses in the first two weeks proves people are not experiencing difficulties with filling in the forms.

He said: “I reject completely the suggestion that the consultation exercise is biased or difficult for people to fill in. The consultation is entirely fair and easy for people to understand.

“We have had more than 1,000 responses so far which would suggest people are not having any problems with it.

“It is set out very clearly and in the next edition of The Scene, there will be a full breakdown of the options and the consultation.”

Campaign chairman Tom Hanley had hit out as members of his group gathered in the town centre at the weekend to drum up support for the threatened libraries.

In only two hours 22 people offered to help with campaigns, 110 people completed the four-page official council consultation forms and 50 more took them away to complete, the group said.

Mr Hanley said: “We were amazed at how many people were prepared to fill in these council forms, despite their jargon and biased questions.”

As well as allowing people to fill in the survey online, paper copies are being made available and surveys are being sent to some 7,000 homes across the borough to ensure the council gets a good response.

For more information, or to take part in the six-week consultation, visit bolton.gov.uk/ libraries before midnight on September 16.