BEWDLEY Library could lose some of its popular services if it is moved into the town’s museum, it is feared.

Labour town councillor Paul Gittins said there was not enough room in the town’s popular tourist attraction to house the library and was fearful some of its facilities, such as a reading area for children, would have to go if it was moved, under plans by Worcestershire County Council.

He added moving it could also prevent any future expansion plans at the museum.

The proposal is part of the county council’s countywide library service review, which could see Wyre Forest libraries being shared with other services or relocated.

Mr Gittins said Bewdley Library’s Load Street location was the best place for it as it was very well used, adding 7,500 people a month visited it last year.

“I would like it left where it is,” Mr Gittins said, “I’m against putting it in the museum because I think it will stop expansion - if we wanted to expand the museum in the future.

“It would be a downgrading of the library. It’s probably going to be smaller because, at the moment, It has a reference section area, a computer room and a little area where children go to read stories. The foyer is used for information leaflets and what's on posters. That would be lost if it moves.”

He added if the library had to be moved into the museum then it should be located in the woodyard area.

“It would have to be a new building but there would probably be enough room in there to put it in,” Mr Gittins said.

Conservative John Campion, the county council's cabinet member for localism and communities, said the authority would consult with the town council on the plans.

“I want to protect the comprehensive library service we have in Worcestershire, including Bewdley,” Mr Campion said.

He added the county council had to save 30 per cent of its library budget and would work with others to insure they continued to provide the service.

Consultation on the plans is expected to start next month.