A PETITION calling for Bewdley Library to remain a professionally-staffed service has been presented to Worcestershire County Council.

The 1,000-signature petition was delivered to senior staff on Tuesday (April 16) in response to a consultation launched by the council to cut £800,000 from the county's libraries budget.

A protest was held outside Bewdley Library in December as users feared the county's smaller libraries would bear the brunt of council cuts.

While the original savings target of £1m has been reduced, the county council is still considering making some libraries volunteer-led or self-service and hasn't ruled out closing libraries - but says this would only be as a last resort.

Bewdley town councillor Rod Stanczyszyn said: "I am extremely proud to be presenting this 1,000 signature petition to the lead councillor and senior staff of Worcestershire County Council.

"Mainly collected over a one week period last December and at a Saturday street stall in the centre of Bewdley, it is a measure of the high regard which the people of Bewdley and the surrounding villages hold for this essential service.

"In contrast, I feel that the County Council have underestimated the importance of the library and its professional staff to all those who use this highly-valued service.”

Hannah Needham, assistant director of communities at the council, said: "Worcestershire County Council has received a petition regarding Bewdley Library. This petition will be noted in the consultation feedback.

"Libraries Transformation will be discussed at Cabinet in June 2019.”