A GROUP of residents in Grappenhall are calling on their neighbours to voice their opinions on proposals which could see their library close.

A four-week consultation into plans to change the library service across the borough are currently assessing whether to close Grappenhall, Great Sankey libraries and the mobile library service or instead reduce opening hours to all libraries.

And people living near Grappenhall Library, on the corner of Victoria Avenue and Albert Road, are issuing a rallying call to residents to come forward before the consultation ends.

Sylvia Hulse, of Georges Crescent, said: “If you did not know to come to say whether you want it to shut, then we could lose the library.

“I only found out because someone was talking about it at school.

“They are saying there is not a lot of interest but there’s a lot of people that do not know anything about it.”

Public meetings have been taking place across the town to discuss the plans but the group says that the Grappenhall meeting was organised on the same night as a popular charity event.

She said: “I don’t think many people are very aware of this situation. There weren’t many people at the meeting.

“We are trying to get people to come down to the library and fill in a letter about its future.

“If people don’t respond, they won’t get a say in what happens.”

Mrs Hulse said the library is very important, especially for people with limited transport or mobility, and it is a community focal point She added: “Every time you go to the library, you see people you know.“ The final library consultation meetings will take place at Penketh High School tonight, Thursday, from 6.30 to 8.30pm and at Great Sankey Library on Monday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Clr Bob Timmis, Warrington Borough Council’s executive member for learning and skills, said: “Libraries have evolved at a fast pace over the past 20 years and will continue to do so during the next 20 years.

“In that light, we need to be able to provide a library service that is relevant to the times.

“It is so important that residents have their say and I would encourage people to take part in this consultation.”