CITY councillors have expressed disappointment over the proposal to shut Stow Hill and Maindee libraries.

Newport council says the authority needs to make savings and all residents will be within two miles of a library.

No decision has yet been made, but Matthew Evans, council Tory group leader and councillor for Allt-Yr- Yn, said the Stow Hill library, which is in his ward, is a lifeline for shops around the Handpost.

“It is extremely well used, not just by residents of Allt- Yr-Yn, but also the Gaer, Stow Hill and as far as Bassaleg,” the councillor told the Argus.

His party colleague, Councillor Charles Ferris, who represents the same ward, said: “That’s the only cultural amenity we have in the ward. We haven’t got anything close.”

Tory Cllr David Fouweather, also for Allt- Yr-Yn ward, said the proposal was very disappointing.

He said: “It’s a short-sighted move and the cabinet member needs to reconsider.”

Majid Rahman, a Labour councillor in Victoria ward, which covers Maindee, said he uses the area’s library regularly, and remembered visiting the library at least once a week when he was growing up in Maindee.

“It would be a real shame if future generations growing up in Maindee may not have the same opportunity of having a library so near to their homes,” he said.

Comments on the proposal can be made at www.newport.gov.uk/haveyoursay by January 25.