THE FUTURE of village libraries has been cast into doubt.

A Kirklees Council plan to look at changing the way they are run has been revealed.

A series of briefings are taking place for councillors and staff and the subject is then expected to be opened up for public consultation.

The briefings, which are yet to be fully revealed, contain a list of libraries which have been earmarked for change.

It is believed Kirklees Council plans to hand control of some libraries to local voluntary groups.

And while the council may continue to manage some libraries, Kirklees Council was yesterday unable to rule out closures.

The council is encouraging residents to voice their opinions in a public consultation, which begins this week.

More details on the plan is expected to follow next week.

Holme Valley North councillors Terry Lyons and Edgar Holroyd-Doveton say they are concerned about the future of Honley Library.

Fears were raised during a Holme Valley North ward meeting on Monday.

Clr Lyons said: “People regularly use it for the computers and other services.

“There’s a reasonable number of people in there every day. There used to be people outside waiting for it to open.

“If it’s closed the nearest library will be Holmfirth and that’s a nonsense. They’ve taken enough away from us.”