THE first in a series of meetings to discuss proposed library closures throughout North Yorkshire has taken place in Malton.

North Yorkshire County Council presented its report on the slashing of library services to members of the Ryedale Area Committee, as the authority looks to explain its decision to make £2.3 million in cuts.

The county council will host a meeting for the public in Scarborough next week.

But campaigner Howard Griffiths wants to see the council do more face-to-face consultation with residents.

The former Norton councillor said: “I want to see a lot more local meetings on this issue because I think the cuts are way above what’s needed.

“I know we have a government which is cutting grant aid to local authorities but the council is going way too far with these cuts.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Conservative MP, has launched an online petition to keep Bilton and Starbeck libraries open.

“The county council needs to think carefully about where to make budget cuts,” he said.

“Withdrawing funding to local libraries is not the answer when there are so many other savings that could be made instead. Councils must look first at cuts to bureaucracy and back office functions. Many local authorities are implementing innovative schemes to save cash and protect the services people most value - it is these areas where North Yorkshire County Council must start.”

Chris Metcalfe, executive member for adult and community services at the county council, said: “It’s not just about saving money. “It’s also about prioritising our services so we can reach the largest number of people, about adapting the libraries to meet changing demands from library users and about ensuring that all our taxpayers get the best value for their money.”