LIBRARIES across East Lancashire have changed their opening hours.

Each library has been allocated to one of four different bands depending upon local need, so that the library opening hours are proportionate to the population that each library is serving.

Band one libraries are open for 50 hours over six days every week, band two is open for 42 hours over six days, band three is open for 34 hours over five days every week and band four libraries are open for 18 hours over four days a week.

Overall the proposal means that libraries across the county will be open for more hours in total than at present. The implementation of consistent working hours will also result in a service budget saving.