HARLOW’S libraries may have been spared the axe but all five will have their opening hours slashed from the beginning of July as part of a cost-cutting drive by Essex County Council.
Although facilities in the town centre, Old Harlow, Great Parndon, Tye Green and Mark Hall will stay open, their combined opening hours will be reduced by 34 hours a week.
The central library in The High, which is currently open seven days week, has been earmarked for biggest reduction of 13 hours which means it will now be closed on both Wednesdays and Sundays.
The hours for the library at Mark Hall have been cut by eleven, at Tye Green by five, Old Harlow by three and Great Parndon by two.
The revised opening hours, full details of which can be picked up from the libraries or viewed online on the Essex County Council website, reflect the results of a countywide consultation to which more than 27,000 people responded.
County councillor Jeremy Lucas, cabinet member for environment and culture, said he was pleased the authority had been able to "honour the will" of tthose who took part.
He added: "We are still keen to work with other public sector organisations or community groups who may have suggestions for funding or in-kind support which may enable us to keep libraries open for longer and will continue to welcome any suggestions of this type."
