CONCERNS have been raised that the planned reduction to opening times at libraries in Denbighshire has been criticised will “impact the most vulnerable in our society”.

Denbighshire County Council confirmed earlier this month that, from Saturday, June 1, the opening hours of the region’s libraries and one-stop shops will be changing.

These new hours have been informed and tweaked by library staff and users, and follows numerous responses to a public consultation to fit the needs of each on a case-by-case basis.

All libraries across the county are affected by the reduced opening hours, which James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, fears will have a negative impact.

Dr Davies said: "Like many residents and councillors, I was very much against these changes from the first moment they were proposed.

“I am deeply disappointed that Denbighshire County Council's cabinet decided to plough ahead with them despite strong opposition from residents and councillors. 

"Over 4,500 residents responded to the consultation on the original proposal to cut opening times at all of Denbighshire’s eight libraries by 50 per cent.

“I also received a substantial number of emails and calls from residents who were concerned about the impact the cuts would have on those who currently use library services - particularly young children and older people.

"Whilst the council did review the cuts, I am disappointed that reduced opening times are still coming into force and will impact local communities.

"The changes mean that in every town and village in the county, the library will not be open at all on certain days.”

Dr Davies said he understands the financial pressures that the council is facing, but feels that, in this case, “the wrong decision has been made”.

READ MORE:

Opening hours at libraries in Denbighshire set to change

He added: "As I said in my response to the consultation, libraries enable and encourage education, professional and personal development, entertainment, leisure activities, companionship, and more. 

“They connect people with books, but they also connect people with people, and at no time has that been more crucial than here and now in Denbighshire.

“The reduction in service will impact the most vulnerable in our society.

“I feel strongly that the wrong decision has been made and could end up costing rather than saving the council money in the long run.

"When residents see the council spending £10m of its own funds on a new recycling system that they don't want, and are facing increased council tax bills each month, it is understandable that they are questioning these cuts to a vital service. 

"As I recently said, it seems that we are well and truly paying the price for Labour and Plaid Cymru having taken control of the council in 2022." 

In response, Denbighshire County Council stressed that its full array of library services are being maintained, and a full programme of activities will be available to its users.

The “Bookstart rhymetime” sessions are continuing, and people will still be able to drop into their nearest “talking point” to find out what help and support is available in their area, but there may be some changes to specific times.

The digital library offering will continue to be available 24/7, giving members free access to eBooks, audiobooks and ePress via the Borrowbox app, and digital magazines via the Libby app.

The new opening times can by found by visiting: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/libraries/your-local-library.aspx.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “We want to stress that no library within Denbighshire is closing its doors permanently through these changes.

“The core library services that our residents have come to know and love have been protected and are fully accessible during these new hours.

“These new hours have been informed and tweaked by library staff, users and the numerous responses to the public consultation we had, to fit each individual library’s needs on a case-by-case basis.

“We have tried to choose hours that benefit each library’s specific needs and create a balance between location and opening times.

“We are also very much looking forward to carrying on working with partners and community groups so that we can continue to keep libraries at the heart of our local communities.”