A Bradford Council scheme which sees libraries pop up in shops has been praised in a Commons report.

The Library Link scheme sees new libraries opening in existing shops or existing libraries linking up with a neighbouring store.

The Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee held an inquiry into libraries following a series of high-profile closure plans across the country.

Its report today says some cash-strapped councils are failing to meet their legal duty to provide a proper library service.

The report says some staff cuts are inevitable, as the service is losing up to 35 per cent of its budget.

It said some of the councils had been innovative.

The report adds: “Bradford Council has adopted a different approach. Under its Library Links project, it has located library service points in shops.”