A LAST-ditch bid to save Poole's libraries from swingeing cuts failed when cabinet voted to implement its £176,000 saving.

Disappointed staff and users will now face shorter opening hours at branch libraries and the scrapping of a whole floor of the two-floor Central Library.

Written objections were received from 274 people and around 60 made their feelings known at a Liberal Democrat call-in which unanimously rejected the 7.4 per cent cut in hours and called on cabinet to refer it to full council.

Cllr Peter Adams, portfolio holder for culture and leisure said: "By making a small reduction in opening hours and relocating some services within the Central Library, we are able to minimise the impact on services for customers while avoiding the closure of libraries and, subject to satisfactory negotiations with unions, any staff redundancies."

Cllr Brian Clements, chairman of the call-in scrutiny committee said: "This is a sad day for both Poole residents and Poole council. Not only has cabinet endorsed the cuts it proposed in February but it has also denied full council the right to debate and vote on the issues."

All 10 libraries will be affected, with branch libraries opening later and closing earlier and the town centre library losing its separate children's library.

Central library user and former headteacher Mike Randall said: "I feel totally aggrieved the people who use the facilities weren't even consulted before the decision was made.

"The children's library is nationally known and a jewel in Poole's crown. You can't have activities for eight-month-olds alongside 80-year-olds. It's ill thought-out."

Lib Dem library spokeswoman Cllr Mrs Sandra Moore said: "Our library staff who have done such an excellent job delivering a first rate service are heartbroken at this insensitive and wrecking decision."

Lin Stanley, Unison branch chairman and library employee said: "They didn't even consider the recommendations from the scrutiny committee. Our concern primarily is about the impact on the library users."

She added: "Had we had the original consultation and tried to work through the issues properly we could have come up with at least some solutions."