LIBRARY campaigners have said it would be premature for Town Hall chiefs to make a decision on the future of the service in Bolton before a High Court review takes place.

The Bolton News reported yesterday how Conservative leader Cllr John Walsh was calling on the council to ensure its consultation would stand up to legal scrutiny before pressing ahead with a decision on the borough’s library provision.

His comments came in light of the granting of full judicial reviews into plans by councils in Gloucestershire and Brent to close libraries there.

Bolton Council is due to unveil its plans on July 28.

Ian McHugh, secretary of Save Bolton’s Libraries campaign, said: “We will wait and see whether there is a case for similar proceedings to be brought, or a local inquiry demanded, in relation to any proposals which may be put forward by Bolton Council.

“We feel any decision made by the council would be premature, irrespective of its merits, if made without the Department of Culture having an opportunity to consider the proposals, and before hearing the decisions of the courts in the Brent and Gloucestershire cases.”

Under the proposals, the central library and township libraries in Blackrod, Farnworth, Horwich, Little Lever and Westhoughton are safe, but opening hours and services could be changed.

Libraries being considered for closure are: Harwood; High Street, Daubhill; Astley Bridge; The Orchards, Farnworth; Bromley Cross; Heaton; Oxford Grove, Halliwell; Castle Hill, Tonge Moor; and Breightmet.