OPENING hours in libraries across Ealing will be reduced from the beginning of July, as part of a plan to cut operating costs.

After a hard-fought campaign last year, which attracted support from thousands of residents, the council agreed to keep all of the borough’s community libraries open.

However, following a review, it has decided to close libraries when they are least busy, as a way of contributing to the £428,000 savings needed by the service this year.

A £2.2m investment was agreed by the council last month to refurbish Hanwell and Perivale libraries - work which is due to start later this year.

Arrangements will be made to ensure book clubs, which take place at the libraries, can still meet at the same time every four weeks.

Details of the changes are available on the council’s website at www.ealing.gov.uk/libraries