FOUR borough libraries could be closed as Bury council battles to find £12 million. Ainsworth branch, along with Brooklands, Carr Clough and Polefield in Prestwich, have once more been put back in the firing line.

Local authority leaders, who have already drawn up £10 million of possible cuts, have been struggling to find the final £2 million.

They say the situation is so desperate that they've been forced to resurrect controversial options rejected in previous years.

Council leader John Byrne recognised that local people would be as angry over these plans as they already are over proposed cuts in education.

"We are saddened that we are having to dismantle things that we have built up and protected over years of careful budgeting, but there is no alternative left open to us," he said.

"We had hoped to spare as much as possible but until we identify all the savings that are needed, we will have to continue down this road."

Coun Byrne blamed the proposals on Government-imposed spending levels which had forced Bury to make £25 million of cuts over recent years.

And he urged local people to write to the borough's two MPs to protest.

"We have never been a high-spending authority, except when it has been necessary to protect and enhance services which we and the public think are essential, such as education," he added.

"Now, when it comes to making these massive savings, we just do not have any surplus to trim."

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