CHANGES to library opening hours in Warwickshire will be in the hands of residents after the a public consultation period was launched this week.

Starting on Monday (Nov 14) residents across the county, including Shipston, have been given the opportunity to decide on the opening hours of the county’s main libraries.

The public consultation period will last for four weeks until Sunday, December 11 and local people are being asked to put their views forward either in paper or electronic form.

The majority vote from the public will decide the future opening hours of the library which will be introduced from March 31, 2012.

Councillor Colin Hayfield, Portfolio-holder for Customers, Access and Physical Assets, said: “We have taken the decision that our customers will decide the opening hours of the libraries.

“I’d therefore encourage as many people as possible to engage with this consultation, either via the web, or by popping in to your local library and completing a survey.”

The transformation of the Library and Information Service is a part of Warwickshire County Council’s bid to cut spending by more than £70 million over the next three years.

As part of the savings plan, the Library and Information Service budget will reduce by £2 million.

For more information visit warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries or libraryconsult.wordpress.com.