WARRINGTON Borough Council's deputy leader has sided with MP Helen Jones amid the ongoing row with LiveWire over library closure proposals.

Cllr Matt Smith (LAB – Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft) and Cllr Diana Bennett (LAB – Poulton North) have spoken out in support of the stance taken by the Warrington North MP after LiveWire bosses criticised her for refusing to meet with them.

They are joined in their criticism of the way the recent consultation into the future of library services has been carried out by deputy council leader Cllr Graham Friend.

He said: "Over the past few weeks, I have spoken to many of my fellow councillors and it is clear to me that, during this consultation exercise, there has been a huge breakdown in the public's trust and confidence in LiveWire and its management.

"Labour councillors in Culcheth, Poplars and Hulme, Penketh, Great Sankey and my own ward, Poulton North, have done an excellent job of ensuring the voices of the people they represent are heard loud and clear – they have my full support.

"LiveWire must now listen closely and accept what Labour councillors have said, not just about the need to save our libraries, but about the flaws in the way this exercise has been carried out.

"I hope that lessons will be learned. LiveWire must also remember that the council has the power to review whether they should continue to run library services in the future – in that respect, nothing is off the table."

LiveWire has responded to the latest round of criticism.

A spokesman said: "We are confident that we have carried out a comprehensive consultation, which has received more than 2,400 individual responses.

"We have carefully listened to the views of a wide range of people including campaigners, residents, borough councillors and parish councillors and are involved in ongoing discussions with many of these groups.

"All feedback received during the consultation will be used to give a full report to the council who will make the final decision on the proposals."