There is no intention to shut County Durham libraries in an upcoming review, councillors have been told.

Durham County Council runs 39 libraries in the county, as well as a mobile library, but the service is due to come under the microscope as part of the council’s ongoing transformation programme to cut costs and staff.

On Friday, members of the authority’s corporate overview and scrutiny management board, had the chance to quiz officers on the scheme.

Andy Palmer, the council’s head of transformation, said: “The libraries review sf only just starting, it’s at the concept stage.As far as I’m aware, there’s no intention to be shutting things.

“What we’re looking at is what is the council’s asset portfolio, what buildings have we got, how are they being used and how can they be better used to meet the needs of these communities.”

As well as libraries, leisure provision, adult health and social care and education support services are also due to be the subject of reviews this year. Reports on potential changes are expected to be presented to cabinet before the end of the year.