RESIDENTS are asked to have their say on proposed changes to the Libraries and Museums Service as Bolton Council faces its biggest cost cutting programme.

Under the new proposals, all the borough’s libraries will be kept open but with some reductions in opening hours and neighbourhood collections.

Anyone who lives, works or studies in the borough can take part in the online consultation which will run until July 21.

Paper copies are also available in all borough libraries.

The council’s Libraries and Museums Service operates 10 libraries, Bolton Museum, the History Centre, Bolton Aquarium, the historic halls and a number of neighbourhood services.

In February this year, the council agreed savings of £37.2m for 2021-3 with £32.3m in 2021/22 and £4.9m in 2022/23.

It means that the Libraries and Museums Service must find savings of £430,000.

Reducing library opening hours will help reduce both staffing costs and utility bills.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries and Museums, Cllr Hilary Fairclough said:“We know how valuable libraries are to local communities and the council is committed to proving an excellent Libraries and Museums Service.

“We are not closing any of our facilities, but we are proposing to reduce the opening hours to keep down costs. This is not something we do lightly, and We welcome your opinions on the proposal.

"No final decision will be taken until we have heard from people who use the service, and all responses will be taken into account.”

Visit www.bolton.gov.uk/directory/13/consultations/category/195 to have your say