Sir Edward Leigh, the Member of Parliament for Gainsborough, has condemned Lincolnshire County Council’s plans for the county’s network of libraries.

“The proposed plan for Lincolnshire’s libraries is completely unacceptable,” Sir Edward said in a statement. “We all understand that in these trying times councils have to make difficult decisions about the services they provide, but our libraries are an absolutely fundamental and irreplaceable part of our way of life here in Lincolnshire. People young and old and from all walks of life find in our libraries a second home and a gateway to an entire world of information and learning.”

“Yes, changes should be made to make our libraries more affordable and more sustainable in the long term, but these proposals put our entire library culture at risk. Lincolnshire County Council must reconsider this immediately and keep our libraries open.”