A NUMBER of stops on the Okehampton mobile library service could be axed, pending a public consultation period of proposed reductions in library services.

Devon County Council is considering removing underused stopping places from mobile routes, and reducing the frequency of the service in an effort to cut the cost of the service in half.

The move has raised concerns from a volunteer that works for the Home Library Service, run by the charity WRVS. The service, also known as Books on Wheels, is for people who enjoy reading or listening to audiobooks, but can not get out of the house to a library.

Volunteers choose and deliver books to those who want them, and can build up a rapport with clients on a one-on-one basis. The service is run in partnership with Okehampton Library.

Jan Goffey is one of a handful of volunteers. She is fearful that the service could have to pick up the slack caused by mobile library cuts.

She said: 'The thing for Books on Wheels is if we suddenly get a lot more calls, we may need to find more volunteers to deliver books to people. It could put a big strain on us.'

Eight mobile libraries currently make 522 stops around Devon, stopping for between 20 minutes to three hours, but visitor figures show that 69 stops are significantly underused, with just three or fewer people using these stops.

On the Okehampton route, there are twelve stops that have been identified as having three or less users, and are proposed to be cut. They include Zeal Monachorum, Murchington, Ashbury Station, Folly Gate, Yeoford, Gidleigh Little Ensworthy, Dornaford Hamlet and Coleford Crossroads.

The council's home delivery service to residents who are disabled or who can no longer physically access library services would remain in place.

The change would reduce the council's spending by £200,000 a year, contributing to the £110 million cuts the council faces over the next four years because of Government cuts to its funding. It would also reduce the council's mobile fleet by four vehicles, which are otherwise now due to be replaced.

Cllr Roger Croad, the council's cabinet member responsible for the service said: 'The mobile library service costs nearly twice as much per customer, compared to the average cost per customer to our static libraries.

'Sixty nine of the 522 mobile library stops are used by just three or fewer customers. When we undertook a major review of the mobile library service three years ago, we introduced criteria to ensure the stops were well used. 

'We have now reviewed usage of all stops and our proposal is to remove these significantly underused stops from our routes, but maintain the service to the majority of customers.'

Six weeks of consultation has now begun with all mobile library users. Survey papers can be found at mobile or static libraries, or online at http://www.devon.gov.uk/yourmobilelibrary">www.devon.gov.uk/yourmobilelibrary

The closing date for responses is Saturday, November 30. Any service changes are likely to take place in March next year.

If you would like to volunteer for Books on Wheels, please call into Okehampton Library or call 01837 52805.