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Six libraries in Manchester are set to close on 29th June despite opposition from the public.
A consultation held by the city council saw more than 1,000 people respond to the plans to close six libraries, with the majority opposing the cuts.
But Manchester City Council intends to push ahead with the plans, announced earlier in the year as part of its 2013 budget, as it looked to save £500,000 a year. The council is hoping that voluntary groups may be able to take over some of the libraries, with £87,000 being made available to run community libraries in the city.
Sue Murphy, deputy leader of the council, told the Manchester Evening News that the plans would ensure the city’s libraries were sustainable. She said: “This involves taking some tough decisions to ensure we have a high quality library network which is sustainable in the long term as we inevitably face further financial pressures in the future.
"We recognise that there was considerable opposition in the consultation to some of the proposals but believe that our strategy represents the most workable and sustainable solution.”
She added: “We will now be working very closely with communities to endeavour to come up with the right alternative library model for each area. Positive discussions are already underway in many areas.”