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Are vicars really spokesman of local opinion?

No doubt his flock is 12 old woman, hardly representative

Cornwall is ignoring the lessons of Wirral, Devon and Lewisham when deciding to close local libraries and leisure centres. In each case the bean counters decided to concentrate services in a few centres. In each case the public rebelled. What people value most about services is that they are local. They might not like a reduction in quality but will accept it so long as they keep something. In Devon they backed down. In Wirral they backed down after a public enquiry. In Lewisham the council jury is still out with a legal challenge being prepared. It amazes me that Cornwall is ignoring these lessons in choosing to do something that the public will oppose fiercely because it's not what they want. They admit they are likely to face legal challenges because they may not be fulfilling their statutory duty in the case of libraries or the requirements of equality legislation since their cuts will disproportionately hit, women, children, the elderly and the disabled. They have taken an extra risk in undertaking no meaningful consultation before reaching their conclusions.

It is not as if there are not savings to be made that can keep libraries and leisure centres open.

1) Look at the rest of the £400 m budget where savings can be made - small and large. Declared and not.

2) There are efficiencies that can be made in libraries and probably leisure too. Cut out some online services - there are free alternatives. Make sure the branch library staff are efficiently deployed.

3) Look at what has been done elsewhere. Some libraries operate at times with no staff. Hillingdon under the well named Henry Higgins have found 30% savings in their budget. If Cornwall can do the same then none need to close.

4) If you are going to use volunteers then it's sensible if they work alongside paid staff (not 10 or miles away) on defined tasks. It's easier to manage, you can get more savings and there's more chance of maintaining quality.

5) If trusts generate savings and Cornwall libraries are looking to co-operate with Devon why not have a trust to run both library services?

6) If you really can't do any of that then spread the pain by keeping all the centres open but for shorter periods of time.

Like my friend Jim I'm up for a debate - anytime, anywhere.

Phil whilst I feel your passion the library service is hardly critical to life, leisure centres on the other hand have always concerned me why they are not free amazes me. Logic tells me the saving would be seen in the NHS or could it be longer life would place more pressure on pensions?

Endless games from a country double dipping faster than Brian Jacks on Super stars

Peter - for many people libraries are what make s life worth living.To give one example 800 or 900 housebound people get their books delivered locally from the library. If most of the librraies go that will stop.

I wonder how long it will be before Kindle and other E-readers replace tree based reading media.

Cornwall Council: John Pollard says some might see closing libraries as a "quick fix" but says it isn't [via Twitter]