A CONSULTATION into the future of Bolton’s library service has come under fire from campaigners fighting to save five libraries.

A second consultation into a reorganisation of the service was launched by Bolton Council after compiling fresh proposals put together following a first consultation earlier this year.

Under the new proposals, five libraries would shut and services changed across the remaining 10 branches — including the Central Library, which could open Sundays.

But campaigners from the Save Bolton Library Campaign claim the new consultation is “biased” and too difficult for many people to fill in — making the decision to close the five libraries a “fait accompli”.

Campaign chairman Tom Hanley hit out as members of his group gathered in the town centre at the weekend to drum up support for the threatened libraries.

In just two hours, 22 people offered to help with campaigns, 110 people completed the four-page official council consultation forms and 50 more took them away to complete, the group said.

Mr Hanley said: “We were amazed at how many people were prepared to fill in these council forms, despite their jargon and biased questions.

“It feels like being given the choice between being hung, shot or poisoned. People just want the council to find a way to keep these libraries open.”

About 240 people also signed the national Love Your Libraries petition from the Women’s Institute.

The group has pledged to gather at the Fred Dibnah statue opposite McDonald’s on the next four Saturdays to raise awareness and drum up more support, as well as running five campaigns in each area which stands to lose its branch library — Astley Bridge, Castle Hill, Halliwell (Oxford Grove), Heaton and Highfields (Orchards).

Last week, council leader Cllr Cliff Morris said that to keep the libraries would mean cuts in other services.

He added: “I have to find £60 million of savings and balance the books.

“No-one is coming forward and saying where the money can be found.

“I’ve tried to be fair and keep a comprehensive library service.”

For more information, or to take part in the six-week consultation, visit bolton.gov.uk/ libraries before midnight on September 16.