PLANS to shut up to four libraries in the North of the borough have been described as 'disgusting' by a leading politician

Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green was reacting to this week's announcement, that while libraries in the south of the borough will get additional investment, those in the north will be axed as part of the plan to save £700,000.

The four libraries under threat are Bowfell, Davyhulme and Lostock, while the Delamere Toy Library, which provides specialised toys for disabled children and is largely run by volunteers, is set to lose its funding.

Ms Green said: "I'm disgusted that yet again it's residents in Stretford and Urmston who are bearing the brunt of Trafford Tory cuts.

"Three libraries are earmarked for closure in my constituency while libraries in the south of the borough are getting new investment. The Tories are deliberately choosing to cut the service in poorer parts of Trafford while richer areas are protected."

Meanwhile the Delamere Toy Library, which was established by a group of parents to provide speciality toys to benefit disabled children is set to lose its two part time workers, currently funded by Trafford Council.

Ms Green said: "The Delamere Toy Library has been a lifeline for parents and families for many years and losing it will be devastating for those families. The initial consultation was based on misleading information and parents have no trust in Trafford Council.

"It's disgraceful that the Tory Council is choosing to make cuts that hit some of our most vulnerable children and young people hardest. These are the wrong choices ."

Trafford Council said it would continue to provide other support for the toy library, through provision of accommodation, help with running costs and assistance with increasing income from other sources.

The leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Sean Anstee disputed Ms Green's claim, which he described as 'wholly unjustified and misleading'.

The figures which Cllr Anstee referred to showed that per one hundred thousand of the population the north of the borough had 5.59 libraries, while the south had 4.26 libraries.

He added: "I would suggest Kate Green looks Labour controlled borough’s across Greater Manchester where the approach has been to just slash library provision with no attempt to find an alternative.

"Local Conservatives have worked hard to sustain as many libraries as possible, will introduce new technology to enable longer opening hours and will invest in the libraries estate. That is a good outcome considering the financial pressure the authority must overcome."

A press statement issued by Trafford Tories, suggests that if Bowfell Library closes, it is 'approximately a three minute drive away (0.91 miles) away from

Urmston Library. If Davyhulme Library is axed it is a '2 minute drive away'(0.71 miles) and if Lostock is shut down 'Stretford and Urmston libraries are mere '4 minutes drive' (1.2 miles).

The autumn feedback elicited responses from 1,400 included ideas to recruit more volunteers, locating libraries along with other services, increased use of technology and redeveloping and moving libraries.

A number of consultation sessions are taking place where local people can find out more and feedback on the proposals:

Saturday, January 24 at Urmston Library 3pm to 4.30pm, Wednesday, January 28, Partington Library 1pm to 2.30pm; Woodsend Library 3.30pm to 5pm

Urmston Library 6.30pm to 8pm; Thursday 12 February, Lostock Library 10am to 11.30am

The consultation runs until February 13. For further information, and to view the proposals visit www.trafford.gov.uk/budget