PEOPLE living in Kirklees can have their say on controversial plans to slash over £3 million from the district's libraries budget when consultation begins in the new year.

The local authority began the second phase of consultation on its budget this week, with potential changes to library services included in the survey - answers on that issue will be used to inform further discussions in January.

More than 1,600 people have already had their say on the tough financial decisions facing the Council which, despite cutting £83 million in the past three years, needs to save another £69 million by 2018.

In July, Kirklees Council's Policy Committee announced that due to the budget cuts it was likely it could only continue to provide full library services in Dewsbury and Huddersfield. It means the remaining 24 libraries across the district - including Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Birstall - face closure.

Campaigners across the Spen Valley immediately announced measures to try and save the libraries, with a petition to keep the Grade II-listed building in Cleckheaton gathering more than 600 signatures in its first two days.

In the current consultation, which is open until December 5, residents are asked to comment on alternative options to help reduce the £5.75million library services budget by £3.2million, such as the greater use of community volunteers.

Dave Thompson, head of customer services at Kirklees Council, said: “Libraries will undergo a separate consultation which will ask more specific and in-depth questions about the library service and gather the views of library users and other Kirklees residents.

"It will enable us to build on the responses we receive from the current survey."

Jo Cox, the Labour parliamentary candidate for Batley and Spen who has been campaigning to save four libraries, described the specific consultation as a "really positive step."

"It gives people a chance to show the strength of their views on this issue," she said.

Councillor John Lawson (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton), said the campaign to save Cleckheaton library was nearing the 3,000 signatures required to trigger a full-Council debate on the building's future.

"Withdrawing a vibrant and well-used service is different to selling off land," he said.

"The library is the base for a lot of community services and groups, and if it goes, we run the risk of losing those community bonds, which would be a real loss."

Kirklees Council leader Councillor David Sheard said the authority had been "completely open and honest" to ensure the consultation was well-informed.

"We still want people to come forward with ideas that help us to save money or work better," he added.

All budget proposals are available to view at www.kirklees.gov.uk/budget 2015, with hard copies also available at libraries and information points.