Over 1,000 responses have been put forward to Buckinghamshire Council after plans to alter hours at the county’s library were proposed.

In June, the unitary authority announced a notion to reduce the hours of library staff and replace them with self-service facilities as part of a plan to save £555,000 a year.

The savings plan – dubbed ‘library flex’ – will be introduced at eight county libraries: Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham, Hazlemere, Marlow and Princes Risborough.

The move has been heavily criticised by many residents, with one former librarian calling it ‘madness’.

A consultation, which lasted 10 weeks, allowed residents in the respective areas to give their views on the plan.

Clive Harriss, who is the council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “There has been a lot of misinformation circulating about our Library Flex proposals and the consultation, which ran for 10 weeks between July and September, and which was widely promoted, giving ample opportunity for respondents to give us their views.

“This is not just about arrangements for the library in Amersham.

“This is a whole-county approach to reframing and reforming our library service to make necessary savings while offering the best possible library service across the county that is fit for modern life.

“A large number of our service users now use the e-library facility or prefer to use self-service.

“Many library service users also still value face-to-face contact with a librarian.

“Our proposed changes reflect both of these preferences, have the potential to extend opening hours at some sites and importantly, allow us to keep all of our much-loved libraries open."

He also spoke about the 'concerns' regarding the plans, but insists that the council will be listening to everyone's views 'carefully'.

He continued: "Library Flex is a tried and tested model elsewhere and we have engaged closely with other authorities using Library Flex, putting us in a good position to consider how best to address the issues raised here in Buckinghamshire.

“We have had more than 1,200 consultation responses and are now in the process of analysing this feedback.

“The petition about Amersham library will be acknowledged as part of this process and the council is also in the process of responding direct to the group on the queries they have raised.

“The outcome report will include data specific to Amersham Library and the final plans will take on board issues connected to each library so arrangements may vary from one location to another, specific to how people use that particular library.  

 “We have also consulted directly with library users on the proposals, especially those who attend our libraries on a regular basis, appreciating they will be the most directly affected by any changes.”