Boss in pledge over Wolverhampton libraries closure plan
People using libraries and community centres earmarked to be closed or moved under controversial plans have been told nothing will happen until new sites are found.
Wolverhampton City Council wants to shut up to four libraries – Warstones, Ashmore Park, Spring Vale and Collingwood – and merge them with community and youth centres.
A further five were also threatened but are staying put after a major campaign and petitions signed by more than 16,000 people.
The plans were today called in by opposition Conservative councillors who want to discuss them further at the council's scrutiny board on December 18, ahead of the full council's final rubber stamp on December 19.
Out of 22 community centres, six are being redesignated as "community hubs", which will include libraries.
Portobello and Lanesfield Community Centres will be required to become "self-sufficient" to help the council save £967,000 a year.
Bradmore and Eastfield community centres will be subject to further consideration and may either be required to be self-sufficient or be closed.
Daisy Bank in Bilston will be closed and demolished.
The council is also considering demolition of Spring Vale Library, Ashmore Park Community Centre, Low Hill Youth Centre and Lanesfield Community Centre and using the land for houses. Other options include selling or renting the buildings out or transferring them to community groups.
Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton's leisure boss, said: "No service users will be asked to move yet. No building will be vacated until we have alternative arrangements for all the groups."
