MUSEUM and library staff in Bradford returned to the picket lines today to call for planned cuts to the service to be scrapped.

And while Bradford Council workers were striking it emerged that staff at the University of Bradford would also soon be taking industrial action.

Workers in the Council’s Libraries and Museums service were protesting outside City Library this morning before moving outside City Hall – where members of the decision making Executive were holding a meeting.

It is part of three days of strike action.

The Council is planning to cut £1.05 million from its museums and libraries budget in the coming year. Details of the cuts have yet to be revealed, but may include reduced opening hours and a greater dependence on volunteers.

A consultation on the cuts is expected to begin in the next few weeks.

Consultation over library and museum cuts 'appallingly run' - Councillor claims

And the Executive will discuss a petition calling for the cuts to be scrapped at its December meeting.

Around 50 staff are taking part in the strike, and there will be another picket and demonstration at Wibsey Library tomorrow morning at 9am and Ilkley Library on Thursday at 9am.

Unite regional officer Mark Martin said: “Our members are showing magnificent solidarity as they hold their second wave of strike action against the swingeing cuts to the libraries and museums’ service. They have been buoyed up by the strong support shown by the public.

“The council has to be stopped in its tracks as it wields a pickaxe to the service which offers so much in educational and social terms to the people of Bradford.”

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that around 50 Unite members have decided to take strike action for a second time.

“The Council are not bringing in new temporary resources to cover the strike. We’re well aware of the legislation and requirements surrounding strike action.

“We remain committed to engaging with all stakeholders including residents, staff and unions on the future of our libraries service.

“As ever, the door remains open for Unite to continue talks with us.”