A reshuffle of Enfield libraries that will see the closure of mobile libraries but the creation of ‘flagship’ libraries has been approved.

Enfield council was due to debate the “streamlined” and “upgraded” library services on Wednesday but time ran out after earlier debates overran.

The council plans to keep all 17 libraries open, but will turn 11 of them into “community libraries” that will share premises with other services.

The four biggest libraries, Enfield Town, Edmonton Green, Palmers Green and Ordnance Road community hub, will be redeveloped to become ‘flagship libraries’, extending their opening hours to seven days a week.

Mobile libraries, which had more than 5,000 visits during 2014, with 83 active adult users at a cost of £70,000 a year, are to go.

Councillor Ayfer Orhan, cabinet member for education, children’s services and protection, said: “We are one of the few councils in London tp have kept all its libraries open in these tough economic times.

“Enfield council is committed to a comprehensive library service that meets the needs of the community. We will continue to provide the services that are essential to any public library and have a clear vision for their future role.

“This development strategy proposes an exciting future role for libraries which underlines their importance, the opportunities they create and ensures they remain a valued part of local life.”

However not everybody was pleased with the proposals.

Speaking before the plans were rubber stamped, opposition Conservative councillor Lee David Saunders said the plans resembled something drawn up on the back of a cigarette packet.

He said: “The strategy alludes to savings that are required to be made, however does not give any indication of how much is likely to be saved immediately and in the future.

“This does not feel like a costed plan and more like a politically-motivated tactic to blame the Conservative government in a year’s time when they will have to make deeper cuts to the service because they cannot meet their savings target.”