A PLAN by Wiltshire Council to save cash by cutting its mobile library service has sparked anger.

The council is proposing to axe 49 stops, reducing the total number from 267, in order to save £100,000 a year.

The frequency of the visits may also change to fortnightly or monthly instead of weekly and if the changes do go ahead they will come into effect on October 26.

The stops proposing to be closed are those which Wiltshire Council says have less than three customers and are fewer than 2.5 miles away from a branch library.

Erlestoke Parish Council chairman Stan Jonik is furious that its service that stops outside the George and Dragon pub is one of those down to be withdrawn. He says the village is already fighting to save the pub from being turned into a house and the loss of another amenity would be a blow.

He said: "I think it would be a huge loss to the village. A lot of older people rely on the service. Many of them do not have cars and the bus service is not good.

"There may not be as many users as there are in bigger villages but it is a vital community asset to us. We are already fighting to keep the pub open and to do away with the library stop outside the George and Dragon would be a big disappointment. We will be writing to protest in strong terms."

Stephanie Davies, chairman of Great Cheverell Parish Council, said she as yet had not heard of plans to to lose the stop outside the school in the village. She said: "We have a meeting on Monday and will probably discuss it then. We will look into how many people use the mobile library service and then respond."

Regulars at the one of the stops, in The Slipway off Marina Drive in Staverton, found out their stop was in jeopardy on Friday.

Anne Hale, 80, of Swan Drive, who is disabled, said: “I’m horrified. For people like me it’s very beneficial. When I go to the main library it’s very difficult to find a car parking space and when I’ve got one I have to walk and go up the stairs.

“We’ve got to know the driver and he’s very nice, you just feel like you’re coming to a friendly place. I shall be extremely unhappy if it’s taken away from us, it’s well used by the regulars.”

Couple Eric, 73, and Beryl Curtis, 88, also stock up on books from the library every fortnight. Mr Curtis said: “I thought they were supposed to be looking after old people and they are making it harder for us.

“I do think it will be shame, it makes it more of a community and makes us feel like we belong to somewhere else. There is usually six of us here at least and if it is anything like the last questionnaire they put out for green rubbish bins they’ve probably already decided.”

At the moment the council operates five mobile libraries and plan to sell two and keep one as a spare. Wiltshire Council could not confirm whether there will be any redundancies.

Questionnaires are being handed out to those who board the buses to be handed back on July 31. Parish councils in the county have also been contacted for their views.

Jonathon Seed, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for libraries, said: “We recognise the value the mobile library service delivers to the more isolated communities – especially for the vulnerable and infirm – and we are only reviewing those stops which are not supported by community use.

“Any customers who are physically unable to access a library or mobile service following our consultation and any changes to the schedule of the current 267 visits, will be offered alternative options, such as the Home Library Service.

“We will consult on the impact of any changes that are proposed, and will continue to regularly review the service with any changes reflecting the value communities place on their mobile library service.”