READERS who rely on mobile libraries may see their stop cut from the route as Wiltshire Council seeks ways to save money.

A consultation is currently underway which proposes 49 stops be withdrawn reducing the number from 267 to 218 in the county.

The frequency of the visits may also change to fortnightly or monthly instead of weekly and if the changes do go ahead they will come into effect on October 26.

The stops proposing to be closed are those which Wiltshire Council says have less than three customers and are fewer than 2.5 miles away from a branch library.

Regulars at the one of the stops, in The Slipway off Marina Drive in Staverton, found out their stop was in jeopardy on Friday.

Anne Hale, 80, of Swan Drive, who is disabled, said: “I’m horrified. For people like me it’s very beneficial. When I go to the main library it’s very difficult to find a car parking space and when I’ve got one I have to walk and go up the stairs.

“We’ve got to know the driver and he’s very nice, you just feel like you’re coming to a friendly place. I shall be extremely unhappy if it’s taken away from us, it’s well used by the regulars.”

Pensioner Beryl Obee, of Thestfield Drive, said she is doubtful the questionnaire which users are being asked to fill in will make a difference. She added: “It’s a real asset and a lot of people rely on it.”

Couple Eric, 73, and Beryl Curtis, 88, also stock up on books from the library every fortnight. Mr Curtis said: “I thought they were supposed to be looking after old people and they are making it harder for us.

“I do think it will be shame, it makes it more of a community and makes us feel like we belong to somewhere else. There is usually six of us here at least and if it is anything like the last questionnaire they put out for green rubbish bins they’ve probably already decided.”

At the moment the council operates four mobile libraries and plans to sell one and keep one as a spare. It is not yet known whether any members of staff will be made redundant.

Questionnaires are being handed out to those who board the buses to be handed back on July 31. Parish councils in the county have also been contacted for their views.

Wiltshire Council has been contacted for a comment.

The stops being reviewed are:

Alvediston, Near the Crown Pub

Bemerton Heath, Spar Shop

Berwick St James, The Boot

Bishopdown, One Stop Shop

Bishopdown, Busy Bees Nursery

Bishopdown Farm, Sycamore Drive

Bishopstrow, Bishopstrow College

Burbage, Village Hall

Cepen Park, Morrisons Car Park

Chapmanslade, 132 High Street

Chisbury, The Green

Corsley, Royal Oak Pub

Dauntsey, Near School

Dilton Marsh, Lyes Grove

Dilton Marsh, Fairfield Farm College

East Harnham, Burford Road

Erlestoke, The George and Dragon

Fovant, Clays Orchard

Great Cheverell, Lay by near School

Hullavington, Parklands

Idmiston, Opposite bus stop, Church Road

Langley Burrell, Langley Tap

Laverstock, Mayfair Road

Laverstock, Elm Close

Maiden Bradley, Somerset Arms

Marston Meysey, By Village Hall

Neston, Pitts Croft

North Bradley, Willow View

Paxcroft Mead, Budgens Car Park

Pewsham, King’s Lodge School Car Park

Redlynch, Morgan’s Vale School

Reybridge, On Bridge

Rudloe, Estate

Sedgehill, Sweetwell Cottages

Semington, The Strand

Semley, School

Southwick, Chantry Gardens

Staverton, Post box on The Slipway off Marina Drive

Stockton, Post box

Stratford-sub-castle, Castle Keep

Sutton Benger, College Green

Tidworth, Tedworth House

Trowbridge, Charles Street

Trowbridge, Lodge Park

West Harnham, Berkshire Road

West Kington, On Bridge

Wilton, Primary School, Bulbridge

Winsley, School

Wylye, Glebe Bungalows