LIBRARIES in North Warwickshire could be given a stay of execution to give communities more time to come up with viable plans to take over the running of them.

The outcome of a 12-week consultation process will recommend that the deadline for bids to take over the libraries be extended to August 19.

If Warwickshire County Council's Cabinet approves the new deadline when it meets next Thursday (July 14), it could provide a glimmer of hope for residents in Baddesley, Hartshill, Dordon, Kingsbury and Water Orton, whose libraries are all under threat.

It is also proposed that £100,000 in funding be reallocated to help those wishing to set up community-run facilities.

In addition the report asks to reduce the opening hours of 14 libraries across the county, including Atherstone and Coleshill, but asks that volunteers are used to help recoup the lost hours.

The shake-up of the libraries service is part of a £67million cost-cutting plan by the county council, with the Library and Information Service budget to be reduced by £2million, potentially affecting 50 full-time equivalent staff.

More than 500 letters and emails were submitted together with 15 petitions containing over 10,000 signatures during the consultation process.

In addition, 25 public meetings and 41 library roadshows were attended by 2,384 people.