NEW self-service machines for people to check in and take out books from Blackburn’s five libraries are still not in use, weeks after their controversial installation.

Already the installation of the technology at Darwen Library has caused a major row with its users and friends group.

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Unions and opposition councillors have also expressed concerns about the loss of 13 part time front line staff from library counters because of the machines which cost Blackburn with Darwen Council £150,000.

One of the machines is currently experiencing teething problems while on test at Livesey Library.

Council bosses hope to have these ironed out in time for the machines to go live at Blackburn Central, Darwen, Mill Hill and Roman Road libraries by early next week.

Whitehall Liberal Democrat councillor Karimeh Foster said: “I am very concerned about this.

“We have invested £150,000 in these machines, not counting running and maintenance costs, and six weeks after they were installed they have still not been started up.

“This is a ridiculous delay.

“The council has put 13 experienced staff on notice and we are losing the personal touch many users like for machines that we don’t yet know work.

“We need to be sure that they do and I am concerned a the problems being experienced at Livesey Library.”

Borough Tory group leader Mike Lee said: “We all accept new technology and cost cuts need to be made.

“I am worried by the teething problems at Livesey Library.”

Borough leisure and culture director Martin Eden said: “Currently the self-service machines are in test mode at Livesey Library, to allow us to rectify any errors before taking the machines live across all libraries within Blackburn with Darwen in April.

“Self-service machines are being used in hundreds of libraries up and down the country in both the issuing and return of library books, and as a consequence less The council is seeking to find alternative posts for 13 library staff on notice.