Plans to close two libraries approved by council

Two libraries in Brighton and Hove are to close and the opening hours at two more are to be reduced, it has been announced.

The libraries in Westdene and Hollingbury, run by Brighton & Hove City Council, are to close on 31 March, while operating times at Jubilee Library and Carnegie Library are to change.

Deputy leader Jacob Taylor said the council was doing all it could to protect the city's library service while facing a challenging financial situation.

He told a council meeting on Thursday that focus for Westdene turned to working with the local community and school to see if they were willing to take over the running of the local library.

Rottingdean Library is to stay open while the council explores alternative options for a community-based service, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The cabinet agreed to reduce opening hours at Jubilee Library by five hours a week, on Monday evenings and Sunday afternoons, and for five hours, on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons, at Hove Library from 1 April.

Mr Taylor added: "With a heavy heart, I do think we should proceed with these proposals, and in particular on Westdene, we are making a formal decision, but it is not the end of the story for that building and facility."

Council leader Bella Sankey said closing community spaces was "the last thing anyone wants to do" and that she was "proud that we have overwhelmingly moved in the opposite direction so far in our two-and-a-half-year term".

But the council has been heavily criticised for its decision.

Green councillor Sue Shanks and campaigner Ruth Williams asked why the cabinet had ignored a recommendation by the People, Overview and Scrutiny Committee to delay the decision.

Councillor Alan Robins, who described the council's budget for day-to-day services as "running on fumes", said the report was considered alongside public comments and library card activities.

However, he did state that there was community infrastructure levy money which could be used to support a library if it was not run by the council.

The council also said there was also Better Brighton Fund money which communities can apply for.

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