Eight Hampshire libraries set to close in 2021, county council confirms

Hampshire County Council has announced proposals to close the libraries, and reduce all opening hours by an average of 20 per cent.

The news comes following a public consultation which ran earlier this year, which had responses from more than 20,000 people.

Currently, Blackfield, Elson, Fair Oak, Horndean, Lee-on-the-Solent, Lyndhurst, Odiham and South Ham libraries will be closed on January 1 next year, subject to the proposals being officially voted through next week.

From closing these libraries, Hampshire County Council expects to save £340,000.

A further £775,000 is due to be saved through the reduction of opening hours.

Chineham and Emsworth libraries had also been earmarked for closure – but following the consultation process were taken off the list.

SEE ALSO: Warning over ‘death knell’ for Hampshire libraries

Hampshire County Council’s executive member for recreation and heritage, Cllr Sean Woodward, will make a decision on the proposals next Tuesday.

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