FEARS have been raised over the future of Stonehouse and Painswick libraries.

Two Gloucestershire libraries face the axe and a further £57,000 looks set to go from spending on books and resources.

Stonehouse and Painswick were among local libraries identified as performing poorly in a Gloucestershire County Council review last year. The others were Newnham, Bream, Bourton and Matson.

The Conservative cabinet's new draft budget says two libraries must be scrapped.

But members are keeping tight-lipped about which two they are.

Opposition councillors are outraged by the proposals.

Cllr John Cordwell (Lib Dem, Wotton-under-Edge) said he was horrified by the 'disastrous news'.

"Two years ago we asked for a review of libraries to find out which needed support and resources to modernise," he said.

"It is disappointing that the Tories have used this information to pick on two they can shut to save money.

"Libraries are a great resource for local communities and should be supported."

Cllr Tony Hicks, the cabinet member responsible for adult services, stressed that the budget had not yet been adopted.

But he refused to reveal which libraries might shut, when, and whether staff face redundancy.

However, he said the closure of Painswick was 'possible' while Stonehouse was 'unlikely' to shut.

The proposed cuts, he said, were an effort to avoid raising council tax in February.

"We are continuing the review started by the previous administration and our aim is to make funds available to improve libraries that are valued by their communities," he said.

"The draft budget indicates the possibility of closing two libraries but should this happen we would consult fully with staff and local people over any changes to library provision."