ST HELENS Council has denied allegations that historic documents and papers detailing significant periods in the town’s past could be shipped out if cutbacks to the archive library go ahead.

This is the claim by one union, which has expressed concerns about the future of the service and possible loss of jobs.

Steve Fay, branch secretary of Unison, described it as an ‘attack on the library service’.

He said: “The archive section in the library holds historical documents dating back hundreds of years. The council will retain the archive section, but lose its status.

“Museums and libraries, which hold historical documents, must meet a certain standard.

“Professional qualified archivists must be in place and in proper storage in a recognised environment.

“It is planned to move the archive to the old printing room, which doesn’t have the same protection.

“The temperature won’t be right. If it goes ahead they will get rid of the archive staff and documents detailing the history of Pilks and mining in the town will go to places such as Preston.

“It’s a massive loss to the people of St Helens. Rather than promote it, the council are cutting.”

A council spokesman said: “The library will not lose its accreditation. We will fully comply with the accreditation.

“It will move to better premises in the Godfrey Pilkington Art Gallery.

“There will be new microfiche, and through the lottery funding we will be able to put the archive online to make it easier to access.”

She said nothing had yet been decided about changes to staff and jobs.