Lib Dems slate Tory library closures

Written by Steve Guy on October 5, 2005 – 10:53 am -

West Wycombe’s Liberal Democrat spokesman, Neil Timberlake, has condemned plans of the Conservative-led County Council to close West Wycombe Library, and others.

The plans, announced in the Bucks Free Press last week, have already attracted criticism from the respected Chairman of West Wycombe Parish Council, now Mr Timberlake, himself a West Wycombe Parish Councillor, has weighed-in.

“The Library service is a vital part of the life of the village of West Wycombe. Not only does it offer books for all ages, but also magazines, videos, DVDs, local public information, and internet access. If the Conservatives locally truly cared for village life and village amenities they would be looking to extend the hours of our local library, not close it down”.

Mr Timberlake pointed out that Wycombe’s first public library had been a gift to the people of the town by a Mr W.O. Griffith, a prominent member of Wycombe Liberal Association, direct forerunners of Wycombe Liberal Democrats. Liberals in the 19th century, as now, believe in the importance of education and access to information for all. That is why the Conservatives in Bucks are cutting library services, whereas Liberal Democrats elsewhere are improving library services by extending opening hours, bringing in new technology and investment.

Example – SomersetCountyCouncil

Somerset’s ‘Answers Now’ initiative provides a 24/7, 362 days a year on-line live enquiry service and works as a three 8 hour shift partnership with Brisbane City Council (Australia) and Richland County Library, South Carolina (U.S.A.). It is thought to be the only initiative of its kind in the world.

Example – Lambeth Borough Council

This year 25% more people have been visiting Lambeth libraries and lending has increased by 12% against a national decline in library use. These figures are due to the new Lib Dem-led administration:

  • not cutting the book fund in 2002/03, which Labour had done previously;
  • investing more in libraries in 2003/04 (an increase in the Library budget of £300,000);
  • increasing the book fund in 2003/04;
  • increasing opening hours in four libraries since August this year;
  • completing the refurbishment of two libraries;
  • implementing the People’s Network Project in the nine Lambeth libraries with 150 computers providing free access to the internet, e-mail, and other IT uses.

Example – EastbourneBorough Council

When the Conservative County Council closed down Old Town Library in Eastbourne the Liberal Democrat Borough Council provided a grant to re-open it.”


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2 Comments to “Lib Dems slate Tory library closures”

  1. Mrs B. Kabatepe Says:
    February 9th, 2007 at 3:12 pm

    Hi,

    I am writing to you from Kingston upon Thames, London.
    Lib-Dems in our Council doing exactly the same thing to us “CLOSING OUR WELL LOVED AND USED LIBRARY -TUDOR DRIVE LIBRARY” People are outraged but council leader Cllr Derek Osbourne is closing his ears and eyes to every comment and letter. It’s on local press and everyone across the borough is outraged and appalled by this. There is going to be a huge demonstation today.
    Oh! let me tell you this; CONSERVATIVES are trying really hard to stop them!!!!!
    If you ever read this please give your fellow party members a call in KINGSTON UPON THAMES COUNCIL and help us save OUR library.
    Sincerely
    Mrs B. Kabatepe

  2. morty Says:
    February 27th, 2007 at 2:42 pm

    I am sure regular readers will want an update on the Kingston upon Thame s library mentioned in the posting by Mrs Kabatepe.
    What a difference!
    A Lib Dem run Council listens to public opposition and decides to keep the library open and make savings elsewhere.
    Our Tory run council ignores local people and still closes the library forcing local residents to raise the funds themselves and staff it themselves!

    Article from the Surrey comet below:

    Tudor Drive Library has been saved from closure after residents, councillors, authors, an MP and even prisoners forced the council into a dramatic u-turn.

    The decision came at a Lib Dem meeting late on Monday. Council leader Derek Osbourne said he was very surprised by the level of response to the proposed closure. He said: “We’ve listened to the public concerns. Elderly pensioners use it and young people use the library as a resource.”

    He said the savings would be found by not filling one vacant post and using money from other areas the budget.

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