NEIGHBOURHOOD book collections, which are to replace five closing libraries in Bolton, will start as early as January.

Bolton Council has said no libraries will be closed until their corresponding collections are up and running.

All five libraries — Astley Bridge, Oxford Grove, Highfield, Castle Hill and Heaton — will fully close by the end of March, giving the council three months to make sure each collection is fully functional.

Feeder libraries will provide about 300 books for each collection point and stock will be rotated.

The scheme will be mainly self-service, although there will be a member of staff present one day a week at each collection point.

Local authority bosses are also set to consider “business cases” to run the closing libraries. There have so far been two firm inquiries, although community groups have until December 2 to submit their initial applications.

A public meeting will be held tomorrow at 7pm at Astley Bridge Library for those interested in helping to save the library.

Cllr John Walsh, leader of the Conservatives in Bolton, said: “The meeting is for anyone who has expressed an interest in helping out and volunteering.

“My colleagues have been at meetings with council officers and we have made considerable progress, and I’m optimistic we have enough enthusiasm to take things forward.”

Groups will have to provide funds to rent existing library buildings, or find alternative premises, as well as cover running costs and upkeep. Monthly rates range from about £1,200 for Oxford Grove and Heaton to £2,000 for Highfield and £2,250 for Astley Bridge.

In addition, about £20,000 is needed to pay for two machines, one to check books in and one to check books out of libraries. A further £1,750 is needed to maintain the machines each year.

Any group running Astley Bridge Library would have to find £57,000 to carry out roof repairs to make the building safe and watertight.

Groups will be provided with a current book stock, publicity on the council website, use of existing fixtures and fittings, as well as help with initial set-up, training and support.

The five neighbourhood collections will be based at: the Oldhams Children’s Centre; Tonge Moor UCAN; Heaton Library, which will stay open as a community hub; the Orchards in Farnworth; and Halliwell UCAN