Action over £158,000 library debt

A council is taking action against library service users who owe £158,000 in outstanding fees and charges.

Essex County Council will suspend service membership to customers who do not clear their debts by 1 February.

Figures show 2,300 customers owe more than £15 each, while £89,000 is owed in amounts ranging up to £15.

Councillor Iris Pummell said: "Although individual customer's debts may be small, the total at any one time adds up to this significant amount."

She added: "The service is already facing budgetary challenges and the council has a duty to the people of Essex to manage debt responsibly."