Bristol to lose 17 libraries under latest saving proposals

More than half of Bristol's libraries and school crossing patrols could be cut in the latest bid to save money by the City Council.

Proposals unveiled by Mayor Marvin Rees would see the number of libraries go down from 27 to 10 with reduced opening hours for those that survive.

Funding for school crossing patrols will also be halved, leaving schools and communities to fill the gap.

The proposals come as the council tries to save £4.7 million just months on from passing a budget committing it to make more than £100 million of cuts by March 2022.

Redland Library is among those that could close. Credit: ITV News/Alex Underwood

There are also plans to close 18 public toilets and invest in what the council are calling a 'community toilet scheme'.

90 city council employees would also lose their jobs.

The proposals are now being put out for consultation with the city's residents being encouraged to respond during the next 12 weeks.

List of Libraries which would lose all council funding:

  • Avonmouth

  • Bishopsworth

  • Clifton

  • Hillfields

  • Horfield

  • Lockleaze

  • Marksbury Road

  • Redland

  • St Paul's

  • Shirehampton

  • Westbury

  • Whitchurch

  • Wick Road

Bristol Central Library would survive under the proposed savings. Credit: Google Streetview

Mayor Marvin Rees said he was left with no option but to make savings: