THE EXISTING library provision and service is a credit to North Yorkshire County Council.

It is greatly valued by the young and older generations in our local communities, who use this important statutory service of the council.

However, as your readers will be aware, NYCC is confronted with having to identify about £168 million budget cuts imposed by the coalition Government.

As part of these cuts, the library service budget is again being reduced, this time to £4.2 million, and the service will have to change. In doing so, the county council’s executive must identify the best possible library service for the public that is equitable, cost-effective and sustainable into the future.

Having fully considered the library consultation proposals and listened to many local people, I don’t believe the county council’s approach of expanding its community-run model on the scale proposed would achieve these objectives. Furthermore, it’s an unrealistic expectation of volunteers to be responsible for both the management and running of these proposed community libraries.

Instead, a robust challenge of all library service operating costs should be undertaken and other options identified. The reduced budget of £4.2 million is a substantial sum that must be best utilised for the benefit of all users of the library service.

COUNCILLOR PHILIP BARRETT South Craven Division