COUNCIL bosses have been warned by the government not to close any more libraries to save money.

The move was revealed in a special report into the future of the county council's library service, commissioned after nine across the county were closed earlier this year as part of budget cuts.

The report recommends spending more on libraries, investing in buildings, removing joining barriers, making family and local history service a core service and a priority, and considering introducing more evening and weekend openings.

Opposition councillors have welcomed the report but urged caution because of the council's record of closing libraries.

County Coun Chris Cheetham, Lancashire's library boss, said he would consider the "potential costs, which have to be balanced against other pressures on the budget."

The report states that senior officials from the Department for Culture Media and Sport had clarified issues surrounding the closure of the libraries.

It stated: "They the officials explained that where there is evidence that improved services can be provided by a reconfiguration of service points and reinvestment of savings from closures this would be regarded as a reasonable step for local authorities to undertake.

"Where closures result from budget cuts without any link to a strategic plan for the service it is recognised that the minister for culture would probably wish to call in' such proposals."

Coun Kevin Ellard, chairman of the libraries task group, said: "We've had it confirmed that Lancashire's libraries are providing an excellent service but we're also aware that the way people use libraries is changing and there are huge challenges ahead to meet the public's needs."

The report acknowledges the growing popularity and interest in family history, which comes in the same week as the return of the popular BBC series Who Do You Think You Are?

Peter Britcliffe, Conservative leader of Hyndburn Council, said: "There are some excellent recommendations in the report.

"However, they will all mean nothing if they are not implemented."

Coun Cheetham added: "I look forward to the result of public consultation on these proposals."

* The full report can be read by clicking the link below.