Major changes to the Dugdale Centre have angered those who use it.

As Enfield Council feels the strain to its budget, it is set to make “cost effective” changes to the centre, in London Road, which hosts numerous exhibitions and the Enfield Museum.

Otherwise known as the Enfield Local Studies Centre and Museum, more than 2,700 people visited the centre last year which has archives into the history of Enfield which can be viewed by visiting the centre, telephone, email or post.

However, under new proposals, resources are to be scanned and made available online with visiting the centre made only by appointments.

This has led to outrage particularly for those who do not have access to a computer but still wish to access the archives.

Ann Symonds, who regularly visits the Dugdale to cast her eye over old maps and archives does not have access to a computer and fears for the older generation.

The 82-year-old said: “It is very sad to hear this could be happening, in 2009 this was made a hub for people to look back at Enfield and its history.

“I do not have a computer and it is very easy to come to the centre at any time in the day and look at what I like – I fear for the older generation as this is a massive part of my life. I’ve lived in Enfield all my life.”

Plans have been made to move the Enfield museum, which hosted the war exhibition, onto the first floor of the centre with the space left free in its absence.

Fears have also been raised in the loss of staff from five to one and the possibility of no further exhibitions due to financial constraints.

Frequent user Eliza Norris said: “It’s great to ask people and have a conversation with someone about Enfield, it matters a lot too many older people too – making everything digital may help some but not the majority who use the Dugdale.”

Councillor Ayfer Orhan, cabinet member for education, children’s services and protection, said: “The proposed changes to the local studies centre will make it more accessible to a wider number of people while giving residents the opportunity to visit the centre in order to find out more about their families or the history of the borough.

"Nothing has been finalised yet and at this stage we are seeking residents and service users views on the proposals, we will consider all the response to the consultation before making a final decision.”

Consultation ends on October 18.