LIBRARIES could close under proposals being considered by Enfield Council, a consultation launched today has shown.

In an online survey designed for library users to give their views about the future of the service, the council asks for opinions on closing some libraries in order to offer a larger range of services at fewer sites.

Speculation that Ordnance Road, Bullsmoor, and Enfield Highway had been earmarked for closure started in April after the Labour-run council's finance chief, Councillor Andrew Stafford, said that the council needed to look at “value for money”.

Now it seems the future of the borough's 16 libraries – the second highest number in London – are indeed under threat after government cuts of £35 million led to a 20 per cent reduction in the service's budget.

The survey question says: “We would be very keen to hear your views on consolidating existing libraries into fewer sites, in order to operate most effectively within the reduced budgets available.

“The sites that would remain would be developed and improved to offer a more comprehensive range of services than they are currently able to do – such as at the new John Jackson Library in Bush Hill Park.”

A petition against closures signed by more than 400 people was delivered to the council last month after Enfield North MP Nick de Bois started the Hands Off Our Libraries campaign.

He said: “The people in the north east of the borough are dismayed at the thought of losing library services and we will fight any attempts to close libraries tooth and nail.”

The three-month consultation asks a range of questions of users about how often they use libraries and what services they want to see retained.

Councillor Bambos Charalambous, cabinet member for leisure services, said: “The council wants residents to say what they want from their library service in the coming years and it wants to consider their views before making any decisions. “The council is committed to listening to the views of local people before any decisions are taken.”

To take part in the survey, click here.