A MUM has hit out at Bolton Council for closing a library during the school summer holidays.

Building work starts on July 26 at Farnworth library, where the council’s library and museum service is developing a partnership with Bolton College to deliver a community learning programme.

The closure coincides with the Summer Reading Challenge initiative, which sees youngsters attempt to read six books over the holidays - with medals being handed out to pupils who complete it.

Farnworth mum Pippa Ainsworth said: “My children have been looking forward to our summer library visits and completing the challenge but this is going to make it much more difficult.

“The library is well used by children and young people over the long holidays, it’s one of the few places families can visit for free and older kids can meet up with friends with no requirement to spend money.

“The closure hasn’t been publicised any more widely than within the library itself and local schools are all promoting the Summer Reading Challenge.”

Members of the public will be able to get advice, information and enrol on college courses at the new centre in Farnworth - which include English, maths and digital skills.

The building work to deliver the new community learning centre is due to be completed by September.

Cllr Paul Sanders, of Farnworth and Kearsley First party, said: “I appreciate that the information is coming quite late in the day, but I’m sure that residents will be happy with the eventual outcome once all the work is completed.”

“It’s taken longer for the planning of this project because the library is a grade II listed building.”

On the other side of the borough, Horwich Library is temporarily closing because urgent repairs are being carried out on the roof.

In a statement last night, Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “Safety is always our primary concern so we’re giving customers in Horwich the best service we can while we make immediate repairs to the library roof.

“At the same time, in Farnworth, we are excited about our new partnership with Bolton College and how residents will be able to study different courses in the new learning centre.”

Residents are being encouraged to use the pop-up library services at Horwich Community Centre and Brackley Street, Farnworth, during the temporary closures.