Council chiefs hit back on Wolverhampton libraries

Controversial plans being put forward to close libraries and community centres across Wolverhampton were today defended by council bosses.

Chiefs at the authority said "it is not about scrapping services" as the fight against the proposals was launched.

Leisure bosses said around £3 million would be invested in creating new one-stop buildings offering a range of different services under one roof.

But the plans have caused outrage among residents.

The proposals are part of cost-cutting measures to save £1.1m from the libraries budget.

Councillor Elias Mattu said: "Establishing a network of community hubs is one way in which we aim to deliver high-quality services for the people of Wolverhampton.

"People's habits are changing and the growth of retail parks, supermarkets and out-of-town shopping centres has shown there is a demand for greater convenience.

"It's important to stress that these proposals aren't about scrapping services. Instead, it is about making better use of our facilities."

Under the plans, over the next five years, 12 smaller "community hubs" providing library, community centres and youth services would be created, along with three larger community service hubs.

See also - Families unite over threat to Wolverhampton libraries