Lancashire County Council bosses have spent £12,000 hiring consultants to give them "common sense" advice on attracting more users into libraries - just weeks after closing nine of them.

Today the move was labelled "disgraceful".

Bosses at County Hall said the work may lead to greater library use and reduce the threat of further library closures in the future.

In February county councillors voted to axe nine libraries.

The libraries will close at the end of April.

Now John Stanley Associates (JSA) has provided the council with a report and training sessions on how to attract more users to remaining libraries.

Its expensive suggestions include moving desks, removing clutter and improving the stock of books.

But today politicians and campaigners said it was a disgraceful to be spending this money while closing the libraries.

County Coun Shelagh Derwent said: "If they are strapped for cash it's not something they should be doing. It's disgraceful."

She said the report promoted good business practice, and the skills to make these recommendations ought to be available at the county council.

In the financial year 2003/04 the council spent £2,068,000 on consultants fees and a further £4,057,000 in 2004/05.

"People are employed to do a job, but consultants are brought in for the least little thing," added Coun Derwent.