Atherton MP Chris Green has today welcomed Wigan council’s decision to protect library services at last night’s budget meeting.
The MP has been campaigning for Atherton library to be saved following fears that it could be closed after the recent consultation.
Wigan council published proposals that would see the library move into the town hall building next door. However, those familiar with the plans have expressed concern that this would not be a like-for-like swap, and would see the library reduced to nothing more than a counter service due to space available in the town hall building.
Chris said: “I’m pleased to see Wigan council have made a point of saying that they will protect library services following the show of feeling from local people in Atherton.
“Whilst we don’t yet know exactly how far this protection will stretch, I am hopeful that this will mean that we should retain a proper library service in Atherton.
“I have been clear over my fears that the original proposals the council put forward in their consultation were part of wider plans to remove a library resource from Atherton altogether.
“We can’t let this happen and I will fight any plans that would see yet more resources taken away from our town.”