Bids invited to run Lancashire's museums and libraries

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Community groups and volunteers are being invited to run services in Lancashire the county council says it can no longer afford.

The authority plans to close 40 libraries and withdraw funding for five museums as part of savings worth £65m over the next two years.

There are a "number of opportunities" to take over council buildings or services, said a council spokesman.

Talks have begun with groups on the running of its museums, he added.

Funding is being cut for Queen Street Mill, Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, Museum of Lancashire, Judges' Lodgings and Fleetwood Museum.

Councillor Marcus Johnstone, cabinet member for environment, planning and cultural services at LCC, said talks with volunteers were at an early stage.

"We are working very hard behind the scenes and talking to a number of organisations who may be able to continue to run our historic museums, although no decisions have yet been reached."

The council said it had not identified which libraries could close but that it was keen to talk to groups interested in keeping them open.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-la ... e-35614392