DEVON’S libraries provide a ‘lifeline’ for families across the county, and cutting their opening hours will leave vulnerable people with nowhere to go, councillors have been told.

Members of Exeter City Council have voted to lobby the county council over its plans to reduce some branch library opening hours.

A consultation on the changes has just closed, but city councillors have called for ‘more modest’ changes and collaboration with other organisations to keep libraries fully open. They also asked for a fuller explanation of the county council’s intentions.

Cllr Deborah Darling (Lab, St Thomas) said cutting hours appeared to be a plan to close Exeter’s branch libraries ‘by stealth’.

Pinhoe library is being reduced from 15 hours to six hours, St Thomas from 38 hours to 15 and Topsham from 17.5 hours to six.

Cllr Darling’s motion went on: “Given that a recent Freedom of Information request indicates no significant change in the usage of these branch libraries pre and post-Covid, there seems to be no case for such dramatic cuts to these opening hours.

“This can only be a deliberate effort to deteriorate services in Exeter to the extent that they become unviable, which will ultimately lead to their closure.”

She was backed by Cllr Laura Wright (Lab, St Thomas) who said: “This is going to shut the door to young people, old people, babies, toddlers, mothers, fathers and people that need socialisation. Where are they going to go?”

Cllr Mollie Miller-Boam (Labour, Pinhoe) added: “For many residents, particularly older people, families with young children, job seekers, and those without reliable internet at home, libraries are a lifeline.

“They democratise access for learning, provide much-needed warm space, anchor communities, keep children reading and provide opportunities for connection. This is not an amenity to be eroded.”

And Cllr James Cookson (Lab, Topsham) told fellow councillors shivering in the chilly Guildhall: “As we return to our warm homes tonight we should remember that for some residents the library is the only warm, safe space they have.”