County council and Westminster have 'wrecked' our library service

Burnley’s main library, in Grimshaw Street, closed the doors of its reference section, which occupied the whole of the basement, at Christmas to the shock of many who have used it including students and pensioners.

Burnley resident Mr Mike Smith said: “As a library user for more than 50 years, I was shocked to find that the local and family history section on the lower-ground floor of the Central Library in Burnley has been closed.

“This excellent resource, at a flagship library – much used by students, family historians, writers, researchers and anyone who wanted to find out anything about Burnley’s past – is now no longer available.

“The alternative provision made on the ground floor now comprises a table and two chairs alongside a shelf full of disorganised local books and two study booths, shoe-horned into the non-fiction section.

“This is a bad move that further reduces the educational and social opportunities for local people.”

Mr Smith’s comments were echoed by respected local historian and Burnley Coun. Roger Frost who accused the county council of “wrecking” the library service.