Otley’s One Stop Centre is to close in April with all its services being moved into the town’s library.

The move, first mooted last January, will leave the Leeds City Council-owned building in Boroughgate empty.

The authority insists residents will still have access to the same face-to-face advice services on everything from housing benefit and council tax to social services as they do now.

But councillors have accused Leeds of not consulting enough with the local community and fear providing both library and one-stop facilities under one roof could lead to problems.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said: “While I would support the concentration of council services at one point I am concerned there will be a conflict between users for space.

“Otley is one of the busiest libraries in Leeds and, though we have been assured there will be no reduction in service, there will certainly be a reduction in space.

“There will also be confusion about which member of staff to talk to, and about the role of other services which use the library.

“As a regular library user I will be monitoring the situation to ensure that the service improves, and is not compromised.”

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said: “The library’s size and layout was created for just that, a library, so I have concerns about both services being in the same building, we’ll have to see how that works.

“It’s important that they’re open at the best times and we’ve suggested they might open on Saturdays, because previously the centre’s only really been open during office hours and that can be a problem for many people.

“This also begs the question about the future for the current One Stop building. I presume it’s going to be sold, but we really need a review of all the council-owned buildings in Otley, and the services they provide, to ensure they’re being used to the best of their ability.”

The city council, meanwhile, says it is hoping to provide an improved service from the library, in Nelson Street, and one tailored to people’s needs.

Leader Councillor Keith Wakefield (Lab, Kippax and Methley) said: “It is important we are able to provide excellent services to our residents and make them easily accessible.

“As part of our move into Otley Library, we are also looking to enhance the service we provide by changing our opening hours to make it easier for residents to access our services.”

Opening time suggestions can be made by visiting the library or the one-stop centre, or online at leeds.gov.uk/ Advice_and_benefits/Otley_ One_Stop_Centre.aspx.