BOLTON Council has voted against plans to have volunteers working in libraries.

The proposals, put forward by leader of Bolton Conservatives Cllr John Walsh, were debated at a full council meeting on Thursday night.

The Tory group wants to save five under threat libraries and set up charitable trusts to run the community facilities.

Cllr Walsh said: “There are many, many residents who live in deprived areas who will suffer as a result of these closures and we think it is unfortunate that a number of long term options have not been considered.”

Astley Bridge, Highfield, Oxford Grove, Heaton and Castle Hill libraries have been earmarked for closure in a bid to save £400,000.

The council is proposing neighbourhood collection points in these areas.

Liberal Democrat councillor David Wilkinson said: “We have to make some really tough decisions. There is a review under way and we have to see what comes of that review.”

Council leader Cllr Cliff Morris added: “None of us want to close libraries but this is the situation we are in.

“We have libraries in every school and we have library link where we deliver books to elderly people with the volunteers you talk about.”

Cllr Walsh’s motion was defeated by Labour councillors. Liberal Democrat councillors abstained from voting.