GRAPPENHALL and Great Sankey libraries could close their doors to readers.

Councillors took the decision to recommend both libraries close and end the mobile library service after advice from an independent review suggested that it would help the service and the cuts would affect less people.

The Warrington Guardian revealed last week that council bosses were looking at either ending those services or reducing hours and staffing at all libraries in a bid to save £180,000.

But the executive board voted unanimously on Monday night to now consider plans to close the libraries as well as reduce the number of reference books and stop buying periodicals.

Graham Luccock, chairman of the independent library review board, told the executive board: “Warrington is a forward-looking authority and is commended on setting up an independent review.

“I know Warrington has a strong library service and we wanted to put the library service in a stronger position for the future.

“We have tried not to pull any punches as to the position Warrington finds itself in.”

Grappenhall, Great Sankey and the mobile service has 2,700 active users (people who go to the library at least twice a year) compared to 40,000 across the service.

“The alternative cuts to all libraries were deemed ‘incapable’ of working properly in the future by the review panel made up of staff, users and independent experts.

Clr Bob Timmis, executive member for leisure and skills, said: “Warrington is in an enviable position with its library service.

“It was the first town in England to open a library funded entirely from the rates in the 1840s.

“We are looking at a service that has changed and what people want from it. We also are faced with challenges as a council to work towards closing the gap. We want to work with the neighbourhoods, it’s key to what we provide.”

Ideas for the future of the service include integrating library services with other community projects.

Councillors heard how the libraries that could be closed are around a mile away from a neighbouring library.

And Clr Mike Biggin, executive member for climate change and public protection, whose Grappenhall and Thelwall constituency is one of those possibly losing their library asked if an adapted provision of the service in the area could be based at Grappenhall Community Centre.