Volunteers could hold the key to saving opening hours at West Barnes library, a councillor said.

Spending cuts are set to limit opening times at the West Barnes Lane centre and Donald Hope library, Colliers Wood. But the use of volunteers or the use of the West Barnes building by the public for meetings have been suggested as ways of keeping its doors open.

The building’s future will be discussed during a public meeting at the library from 7pm on January 18. It is set to close for an additional day every week later this year.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Mary-Jane Jeanes said Merton council’s cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Martin Whelton, told her he would consider allowing volunteers to increase opening hours or to use the library facilities for meetings to increase its usage.