Library opening hours in Walsall are to be cut, a children’s reading project axed and no new DVDs or CDs bought for two branches as part of a money-saving move by the cash-strapped council.

From April 30 all 16 branches, including the central library in Lichfield Street, will shut by 6pm at the latest. Every library apart from Beechdale and Blakenall currently stays open until 7pm at least one day a week.

DVDs and CDs will still be available to rent at Beechdale and Pleck libraries but the stock will not be updated. The popular Right To Read children’s project has also been axed after the council decided not to fill the vacant project manager’s post.

It is believed all the cost cutting measures will save the council around £200,000 per year in salaries, running costs and stock.

The announcement comes on the same day as it is revealed that the town’s Tourist Information Centre is to be closed down.

The service at St Paul’s Bus Station in the town centre is being withdrawn from this week as part of budget savings for 2007.

Advisors were permanently on hand there as part of a partnership between Centro, Travel West Midlands and the council. But a sign inside the station today said: “We can no longer offer tourist information as funding for this service has been withdrawn by Walsall Council.”

Visitors were offered advice on where to stay and where to visit as well as what’s on guides, bus maps and local information.

Transport campaigner Richard Worrall slammed the decision. He said: “The tourist information site was set up as a partnership between Centro, Walsall Council and Travel West Midlands.

“It is an appalling, shortsighted and disappointing decision to axe this. Love them or hate them our local attractions need promoting and this will do nothing to bring visitors to the town and boost our economy.”

Leaflets and what’s on guides will continue to be offered in Walsall Central Library and at The New Art Gallery.

But Councillor Dennis Anson said that this would not help the people who need to find a place to stay or need specialist advice.

He said: “I think its absolutely ludicrous that this valuable service is being taken away. I thought we were supposed to be attracting people to the town, not fending them off.”

Walsall Council today refused to reveal how much money was being saved with the closure of the centre on the grounds it is “commercially sensitive”.

Council spokesman Dan Slee said: “There are a number of visitor access points in Walsall town centre and in other parts of the borough. People can also access information on-line. We strive to make information accessible and as easy as possible.”