Library users in the Bradford district have been reassured they will be able to reach “similar or better” local lending services despite plans to close five branches.

Mobile libraries will replace branches in Heaton, Wilsden, Denholme, Wrose and Addingham, which will shut on June 30, Bradford Council has confirmed.

A consultation is under way over the future of library provision.

Councillor the Reverend Paul Flowers, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for culture, said: “Although we have decided to close these libraries, they will have mobile provision to a similar or better standard.”

He said the consultation would focus on whether it would be viable to cut libraries’ hours and bring in volunteers to run them. Alternatives may include opening libraries in shops or continuing a mobile library service.

However, some library users have criticised the closure decision, which is set to save about £70,000.

Rod Lacey, 76, of Wrose Road, signed a petition organised by Lib Dem ward councillor John Watmough, calling on the Council to put off the closure of Wrose library until concrete plans were in place for a replacement.

Mr Lacey, a frequent library user, said: “All we are getting is an accountant’s view of the library service, nothing about the pleasure of reading books and the reading clubs. They are just looking at the commercial value of closing the library. It is a community facility that ought to be used more but people will not know what they have lost until it has gone.”

He was among 200 library users in Wrose who have signed the petition.

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