Five libraries to close

Five libraries across Dudley will close after protesters failed to gain an eleventh-hour reprieve. The cash saved will help update other library services in the area.

Libraries in Quarry Bank, Amblecote, Dudley Wood, Wall Heath and Woodside will be axed under controversial plans by Dudley council.

The local authority says cash from the closure will be used for a £2.3 million scheme to update services including remodelling of the Wordsley Green Library.

It will also allow investment in a new library at Brierley Hill, built in partnership with Stourbridge College.

But residents say it will tear apart communities forcing children and the elderly to travel miles to the nearest facility.

The closure plans were backed after an hour-long debate which split councillors at a meeting of Dudley Council's Cabinet last night.

But many councillors were concerned about the impact it would have and urged members to look at the plans again.

Councillor David Sparks said even though Quarry Bank was one of the sites to be closed, that part of the borough would not directly benefit from any of the cash.

Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho said she would raise the closures in Parliament.