THE final decision on Bolton’s libraries could still go to a full Bolton Council vote.

Five libraries — Astley Bridge, Oxford Grove, Heaton, Highfield and Castle Hill — are earmarked for closure next year, with the council’s Labour executive due to rubber stamp the plans tomorrow in what promises to be a heated meeting at Festival Hall.

But the decision could still be “called in” for scrutiny by opposition councillors — something The Bolton News understands is likely — and the final vote could then go to full council where all parties will get their say.

There, the Labour majority would still be expected to force the decision through, but a call for scrutiny tomorrow would further extend the long-running libraries saga and offer the faintest glimmer of hope to campaigners.

Away from the town hall, campaigners have welcomed the decision to retain the Heaton library building as a community hub.

Ward councillor Bob Allen said: “It could have been a lot worse but, really, the council had no choice because there are no other community buildings in Heaton. Where else would they have put the children’s centre and the neighbourhood collection?”

The library closures come as the Council strives to save £400,000 from libraries as part of wider £64 million budget cuts over two years, enforced by a reduction in central Government funding.

If council plans go ahead, neighbourhood collections will replace the five axed libraries and will be based at Oldhams Children’s Centre, Astley Bridge; Tonge Moor UCAN; Heaton library; the Orchards in Farnworth; and Halliwell UCAN.

Collections will be phased in over the next six months and the five libraries will be closed before the start of the next financial year.

The special meeting of the council full executive is open to the public and will be held in the Festival Hall in the town hall, at 10am, tomorrow.

A protest will be held outside the town hall on the same day by the Save Bolton Libraries Campaign, starting at 9.15am.

For full live coverage of the meeting tomorrow, go to theboltonnews.

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