THE council's library chief has denied that any libraries have been earmarked for closure, despite the comments of his cabinet colleague.

It was thought libraries at Ordnance Road, Bullsmoor, and Enfield Highway were under threat after Councillor Andrew Stafford, cabinet member for finance, said that the council needed to look at “value for money”.

But his cabinet colleague Councillor Bambos Charalambous, who is in charge of libraries, said that no single site had been short-listed for closure.

He said: “A review is currently underway looking at options to save over £1million in the library service over the next four years – of which £578,000 has been found this year without the need for any library closures.

“While all options must be explored, savings opportunities such as the use of volunteers and greater use of self-service are being included as part of this review, as will seeing if libraries can stay open longer.

“This review of the effectiveness and value for money offered by the council's 16 libraries – the largest number in London – will be wide ranging and radical with recommendations coming forward this summer.

“However, nothing will be decided without a comprehensive and robust consultation seeking residents' views on how they would want to see the library service develop over the next five to ten years.”

The comments seem to contradict those by the Cllr Stafford, who told residents earlier in the year that there were too many libraries in the borough and suggested some would close.

Any cutback in services affecting Ordnance Road library would be particularly controversial as the site is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and is closed until April 26.