Mobile library facing the axe

One of five mobile libraries in Worcestershire could be scrapped to help save £26,000 in council tax-payers money.

But use of the internet by library users could continue to be free-of-charge.

A decision on whether to take one off the roads is expected on November 1 when cabinet members of Worcestershire County Council meet to discuss how to make savings of £300,000.

The move follows a report by consultants Kentwood Associates who recommended improvements and efficiencies which could be made to the service which provides static, mobile and prison library facilities on a budget of £7.3 million.

Consultants said it was vital to alter the service to cater for a declining number of users and make it more cost effective.

Stourport, Bewdley and Kidderminster main libraries are seen as flagship providers of services and removing one mobile library would have little effect and still leave a satisfactory service in the Wyre Forest area , they claimed.

They have also suggested mergers of library and the lifelong learning teams to cut duplication of roles, which could lead to savings of £256,000-a-year.

The report said internet charges "would hit the poorest people hardest".