A SERIES of focus groups are being held across the borough for residents to have their say on proposals to modernise and remodel libraries.

Bury Council plans to turn the libraries in Unsworth, Radcliffe, Prestwich and Whitefield into “community hubs” to save £570,000.

They will find out what people think about the shake-up in focus groups held as part of a consultation, which runs until Friday, May 24.

They take place at: 2pm to 3pm on Thursday, May 9 at Radcliffe Library; 2pm to 3pm on Tuesday, May 14 at Whitefield Library; 11am to noon on Thursday, May 16 at Unsworth Library; and from 11am to noon on Monday, May 20 at Prestwich Library.

Under the plans, Radcliffe Library, in Stand Lane, would be relocated to Radcliffe Civic Suite and Unsworth Library, in Sunny Bank Road, moved to Sunny Bank Community Centre. They would create“community hubs”, with adult care services also provided there and events in the civic hall. Prestwich Library would be remodelled to provide an open-plan library in a smaller area, making space available for learning disability day services. A section of Whitefield Library will also be used by adult care and the existing sensory impairment unit will be moved to a different part of the building.

The aim is to keep libraries open, while saving money and making greater use of facilities such as the borough’s civic halls.

The proposals do not include closing libraries or reducing opening hours, but some jobs will be lost.

There is a range of ways for people to take part in the consultation, such as filling in a questionnaire at a library or going to surveymonkey.com.

Alternatively, people can call 0161 253 7931, email burylibrariesreview@bury.gov.uk or write to: Plan for Change, Bury Council, Town Hall, Knowsley Street, Bury, BL9 0SW.

Places on the focus group must be booked in advance by calling: Radcliffe Library on 0161 253 7160; Whitefield Library on 0161 253 7510; Unsworth Library on 0161 253 7560; or Prestwich Library on 0161 253 7216.