Council bosses have conspired to keep secret a ‘hit-list’ of Sheffield libraries potentially earmarked for closure.

Council officials have refused to release details of recent expressions of interest in running local libraries, despite prior confirmation that the information should be released.

Where no expressions of interest have been made, libraries could be earmarked for closure, as part of a Labour plan to close up to half of the city’s libraries.

Labour bosses plan to plough ahead with the proposal despite a 12,500 signature petition, backed by local Liberal Democrats, which called on the Council to halt the closures.

Critics claim that the millions committed by Labour councillors to highly-paid consultants, Park Hill, and empty office blocks, would be better spent protecting library services.

Cllr David Baker, Sheffield Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Libraries, said:

“With thousands of Sheffielders clearly concerned about their local library, it seems hard to understand why council bosses continue to keep Labour’s ‘hit-list’ a secret.

“We have suggested a number of savings that would mean closures could be avoided – like reducing the millions spent on consultants and keeping empty office blocks open. However, Labour councillors keep rejecting these proposals in favour of closing libraries.

“Local people are angry about Labour’s flimsy excuses and they want to them to come clean about their plans.”

see also: Sheffield library legal challenge fears – The Star