Letter: Libraries still open

CLAIRE Black's article about libraries (Insight, 27 February) mentioned that Dumfries and Galloway Council was looking to close seven libraries. This is not correct.

Initially two budget options for savings in 2011/12 had been presented to councillors, the first for saving 345,000 to review and integrate customer services provision (libraries, registration services and customer service centres) across Dumfries and Galloway, the second for saving 92,000 by closing seven libraries. The first included the integration of four customer service centres and libraries in the same town/village.

However, the outcome of the budget meeting on 10 February was that a reduced saving of 256,000 could be achieved through the deletion of vacant posts (140,000) and via voluntary severance (116,000), together with a reconfiguration of services, based on a review of service need and property issues. The closure of seven libraries was not agreed. There will also be a small saving on the libraries materials fund.

Justin Tracy, Director, Community and Customer Services, Dumfries and Galloway Council