WORKINGTON'S MP has hit out at Government cuts to libraries on World Book Day

Sue Hayman criticised cuts to local council budgets after a new research revealed the number of books issues from public libraries in the North West of England has plummeted by 45 per cent since 2011.

The research, commissioned by the Labour Party, also showed the number of books borrowed decreased from 33.5 million in 2011 to 18.3 million in 2028.

Mrs Hayman said: "Local libraries are at the hearts of our communities and they are engines of opportunity. However, almost a decade of Tory austerity has taken its toll on our public library services, causing branch closures, staff cuts, and fewer opening hours.

"521 libraries have closed across England since 2010. Cuts to library services damage the learning opportunities of children and young people, and impact on older people looking for company and comfort, particularly in sparsely populated areas like Cumbria."

Today is World Book Day, an occasion to celebrate reading marked by over 100 different countries.

Mrs Hayman added: "It is a scandal that millions fewer books are being issued from our public libraries. Council budgets across England have been cut to the bone by Tory austerity, and our library services are paying the price. Properly funding local councils means that they can provide vital services like these.

"Libraries are at the heart of our local communities. On World Book Day, the Government should urgently rethink and end these senseless cuts."