Angry Bollington residents protesting against any proposed cuts to their library service told councillors it is 'more than just a public bookshelf'.

The cash-strapped council is planning to consult on a number of cost saving proposals, one of which could see the opening hours at Bollington reduced to just one-and-a-half days a week.

Objectors told the environment and communities committee yesterday (Thursday) that slashing the opening hours would deprive families and children of a vital service.

Resident Jose Spinks said: "What is proposed today further degrades provision for a planned, sustainable, properly funded library service for all…

In September 2023, Cheshire East Council reports potential budget deficit of £12.8m.

"Dressed up as improving central tier one libraries, mostly in South Cheshire, the proposals are, in fact, a drastic two thirds cut in offering.

"Please do not underestimate the value of libraries. They are much more than a public bookshelf."

Sandy Milsom, of the Friends of Bollington Library, said the library provided numerous services.

"It's a warm space in the cold months and a lifeline to many in the community to combat loneliness," she said.

A sign points towards Bollington Library, one of four libraries most at risk of change from the cuts.

"The well informed and friendly staff deliver an amazing service."

Resident Jim Hoyle said he would be particularly impacted if opening hours were slashed.

"I have no car, I have no computer, I have no smartphone," Mr Hoyle told Thursday's meeting.

"I use Bollington Library every day it's open to get online, to access local services, to pay bills, and, of course, to access books, which I love."

Bollington Library, of Palmerston Street.

He was applauded by the protesters packed inside Macclesfield Town Hall when he said: "Throw out this library [consultation] document. No need to consult. It's absolutely clear there is absolutely unanimous opposition in Bollington."

Bollington town councillor Nigel Macartney who was chair of the largest library authority in the country – Northern Ireland – from 2011 to 2014 and was also director of research at the British Library, was furious at the proposed library strategy.

"The whole emphasis in the strategy is to abdicate responsibility to the town and parish councils, or even in one paragraph, you mentioned the private sector," he said.

"I'm sorry. That's not acceptable."

At the same time, 'SAVE BOLLINGTON TIP' protestors campaigned outside the Macclesfield Cheshire East Council meeting to protest the winding down of Bollington Household Waste Recycling Centre.

He added: "What's also missing, councillors, is any apology, any contrition for the damage that you are wreaking on the northern towns of this borough, in particular the library services."

Referring to the report, he said: "You can't even spell the name of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport right."

He concluded with: "We don't accept the tiering proposal [first proposed last week and reported on by Macclesfield Nub News]. That's a device to divide and rule."

The committee heard from resident Julia Cooper that her online petition to fight cuts to Bollington Library had been signed by 1,074 people and 87 had added statements in support.

The Library was already faced with hours cuts last year.

She said if the library was closed Saturday mornings and restricted to just one and a half days 'the usage and satisfaction figures would go down, and the council would feel justified to close the service altogether'.

The committee debated later in the meeting whether to go to consultation on the controversial proposals, which include introducing a tiering system and reducing opening hours for tier three libraries – which would be Alderley Edge, Bollington, Disley and Handforth.

Councillors voted by seven to six in favour of going to consultation.

Please click HERE to learn more about the consultation.

Cheshire East Council is also saving money by closing their Westfields HQ in Sandbach.