A SIGN in a library left members of the public feeling intimidated, it was claimed.

Kirklees Council has investigated the allegation that the sign was an attempt to bully would-be volunteers.

But a trade unionist said the claim had been “totally refuted” and that management had sent a “threatening” letter to staff about the issue.

Kirklees is currently consulting on its controversial plan to withdraw paid staff from libraries in Slaithwaite, Golcar, Honley, Lepton, Shepley, Denby Dale and Kirkheaton.

Officials want volunteers to come forward to keep the centres open.

The council’s chief librarian Carol Stump wrote to staff concerning a laminated sign about the consultation at the counter of a library in Kirklees – believed to be Slaithwaite.

She wrote: “Some of the wording was misleading in so much as it talked about ‘volunteering would mean staff losing their jobs’. This could be seen as deliberately discouraging people to take part in the consultation process.

“We also discussed the fact that staff should remain impartial at all times and cannot be seen to be influencing members of the public in any way.”

Mrs Stump added: “We have had a complaint from a member of the public about the poster and perceived intimidation of potential volunteers.

“Therefore, whilst acknowledging this is a difficult time for you all, I do not expect a repeat of this or any other similar occurrence.”

A Kirklees spokesman yesterday explained the reason for the letter.

He said: “It was as a result of a particular incident where a member of staff had acted inappropriately – the incident was shared with Unison who had sight of the letter and were OK with the content.”

But the trade union told the Examiner that the intimidation allegation was unfounded.

Steward Paul Scaife said: “There was an anonymous complaint that there had been perceived intimidation of potential volunteers.

“The council’s assistant director Jane Brady investigated and found no case against any staff. It was totally refuted, nothing was found.

“To put that in a letter to staff seemed out of proportion.

“Staff are unhappy about this letter from management and they are feeling rather intimidated. The letter was seen as threatening.”

Mr Scaife added that staff had been right to put up the laminated poster about the consultation.

“There’s noticeboards in any library where community groups can put a notice up. If someone wants to put something up opposing volunteers then why wouldn’t they be allowed to do that?

“The librarians are asked to be impartial which puts them in an awkward position,” he said.