GOVERNMENT ministers have challenged Swindon Borough Council’s proposal to close 10 out of the town’s 15 libraries and have suggested the cuts might not need to be made.

Libraries Minister Rob Wilson met officials from Swindon Ccouncil last week in a bid to seek a possible solution before the cuts are actually made.

He said: “If we are going to build a country that works for everyone then we need to recognise that libraries are among our most valuable community assets and they remain hugely popular.

“More people went to a library in England last year than visited the cinema, Premier League football games and the top 10 UK tourist attractions combined.

“But standing still is not an option if libraries are to thrive and work best for communities in the 21st century.

“Libraries can flourish and prosper but this will take change and new thinking about our service.”

In 1964, the Public Libraries And Museums Act made it a statutory responsibility for each local authority to provide a “comprehensive and efficient library service for all persons.”

Mr Wilson has powers under the 1964 Act to investigate and overturn closure decisions and is now taking a proactive stance to defend Swindon’s libraries from closure.

Coun Mary Martin, the council’s cabinet member for communities, who met with Mr Wilson last week, said: “We are retaining our most well-used libraries and keeping a core of our trained and qualified staff.”

The council is now considering adopting a trust model for the service, a move that could alter the financial modelling around which the latest plans are built.

Coun Martin said: “We are very keen to move to a trust or mutual model, subject to cabinet approval, and we have agreement in principle from Libraries Minister Rob Wilson that we can have some assistance in getting this in place.”

The Government’s proactive attempts to save libraries was welcomed by the Chartered Institute Of Library And Information Professionals.

Chief executive Nick Poole said: “It is right that the Minister is taking a robust stance. We urge Mr Wilson to use his full statutory powers, and to work with the council and library staff to provide the best possible outcome for Swindon.”

Coun Martin added: “Following conversations with the Department for Culture Media and Sport we are jointly exploring alternative delivery models including the possibility of a mutual model.

“We are very keen to move to a trust or mutual model subject to cabinet approval and we have agreement in principle from Libraries Minister Rob Wilson that we can have some assistance in getting this in place.”

A report outlining proposals for a future governance model, most likely a trust, will go before the February cabinet.