THE formation of two new councils in Cheshire will not limit choice and convenience for library users who will be able to borrow and reserve books from either side of the new boundary, if East Cheshire Shadow Council give the go ahead.
Libraries are one of the most highly used, valued and visible council services with up to 60% of residents in Cheshire West and Chester having visited a library in the last 12 months.
Local government reorganisation has led to concern that after the new Chester West and Chester and East Cheshire councils are set up on April 1 next year, library members in Chester, Northwich and Ellesmere Port will no longer be able to reserve or borrow material from Crewe, Macclesfield and Congleton libraries unless they are a member of both library services.
However, Cheshire West and Chester’s Executive has now agreed a simple and workable solution. A library member using a Cheshire West and Chester library card will be able to access library services in East Cheshire and visa versa.
Councillor Richard Short, executive member for culture and recreation, said: “We do not want local government reorganisation in Cheshire to pose a threat to the level and quality of library services by narrowing the range of resources available.
“Cross boundary use provides a simple tried and tested solution which has worked in other parts of the country.”
East Cheshire Shadow will make their decision on November 4.
