PLANS have emerged to run a second library in Cheshire West using volunteers.

Labour raised concerns over such proposals at Hoole Library which could take effect when it relocates from ageing premises to Hoole Community Centre.

Now Cllr Mike Jones, Tory leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, says a similar model, using self-service customer facilities, may be introduced in the community library at Tattenhall Park Primary School.

The proposal has been made at a time when the library could be on the move, with a proposal to relocate the facility in the vacant school caretaker’s house.

This would allow the school, which is short of space, to convert the room currently used as a library into a classroom.

Cllr Jones, speaking on Chester radio station Dee 106.3, said the authority had looked at models elsewhere to run libraries more cheaply and with extended opening hours.

He said: “For example, in Tattenhall, my own ward, our library is only open for two hours for a couple of days a week.

“Whereas, if we get the community involved in helping to run that library when we move it to new premises, because we are investing in that library, then we can probably have it open for longer periods for more days.”

Labour’s culture spokeswoman Cllr Louise Gittins says volunteers ‘have a part to play’ but is concerned they won’t have the skills to help children with homework, set reading challenges and perform outreach programmes.

She added: “The reasons behind this are ideological because the bigger picture is the Conservatives’ mission to roll back the state.”

A council spokesman confirmed the possible relocation of Tattenhall library could lead to other changes.

She said: “We are currently looking at the opportunities that such a move will allow, including improvements to the facilities such as the installation of self-service facilities.

“We are working with the school and its governors to secure, sustain and improve library provision in the village and until these works are concluded discussions regarding staffing are premature.”