GUISELEY and Rawdon ward councillor Paul Wadsworth is urging residents to take part in public consultations on the closure of council services.

Two further consultations have started in response to the council’s budget proposals for next year as part of money-saving initiatives. The first relates to changes in the opening times at community hubs and libraries, with centres operating at changed times, while the second focuses on fewer floral decorations across the city.

Cllr Wadsworth understands that the local ‘in-bloom’ groups are not affected by this proposal, but feels that the aesthetic nature of the city centre will be harmed by fewer floral displays.

He wants to ensure that as many views as possible are heard from residents in response to the consultation.

Councillor Wadsworth, who is Shadow Spokesperson for Environmental Services, said:“Changes to the opening times for Community Hubs and Libraries might actually make them more accessible for local residents which I welcome.

"Taking part in the consultation will help the council make informed decisions and could help safeguard the future of the library by showing there is an appetite for the different opening hours that are being proposed.

"As for the reduction in floral decorations, I fear the city centre will be left looking stark and bare as a result of this. I do recognise the financial situation of the council, but if we are going to encourage people back to the city, it will do more harm than good if it looks drab and miserable.

"We must support the city centre as we begin the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The suggested cuts are being put forward as part of the council's 2021/22 budget savings proposals as it faces a shortfall of £119 million.

The council has launched a public consultation on its proposals and is asking councillors and local people to make their views known and to give feedback on when they would like to use the services.

In an email to ward councillors it said: "By reviewing our opening hours we will be able to make savings through staffing reductions whilst keeping all of our libraries and community hubs open.We have sufficient members of our team who have expressed an interest in the council's voluntary Early Leavers Initiative which will facilitate the delivery of the staffing reductions needed to meet this saving proposal."

A 50 per cent cut is planned to seasonal bedding throughout the city, along with a 50 per cent reduction in floral decorations in the city centre. The consultation will take place until Monday, February 1. Visit www.leeds.gov.uk/LibraryHoursConsultation and https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/YG5736/ to take part.