Shropshire Council has said no decisions have been made regarding the future of libraries in the county.
It was reported this weekend that the council could consider closing libraries as a way to tackle the financial deficit left by the previous administration.
Shropshire Council is currently facing severe financial pressures with an annual overspend of over £50 million.
In the autumn the council declared a financial emergency and was granted financial support from the government.
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As a result, it was reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, that in a letter Ludlow Town Council, it may consult on whether close several libraries.
It is also considering a reduction of opening hours at libraries and a reduction in the county's mobile library service.
The Advertizer asked the council whether this would include services in the north of the county, including Oswestry, Gobowen and Ellesmere.
James Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for housing and leisure, was unable to rule out any potential closures and said that he had been working with town councils to “find new options”.
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However, Cllr Owen stressed that no decision has been made on the future of any library.
“Shropshire Council is doing everything it can to deliver a high-quality library service across the county, in both urban and rural areas, and we’re proud to do so,” said Cllr Owen.
“To be clear, no decisions on the futures of any libraries have yet been made and won’t be made until after public consultation.
“I and the library service have been working hard with partners including town and parish councils to find new options that will maintain the high standards that residents should expect, while working to cut the council’s deficit and stop long-term reliance on borrowing due to the financial emergency and Exceptional Financial Support under which the council is operating.”
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