Future of Libraries in the Balance
A decision on the future of five libraries facing possible closure was deferred for up to two months on Wednesday 17th November when Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock ordered officers to do further work on proposals for alternative library provision.
Lewisham Council, along with all Councils in England, is facing a government cut of almost 30% over four years and as a result, Council officers have been asked to come forward with proposals for savings, one of which was the closure of the five libraries.
Councillor Chris Best, who has responsibility for libraries, said, “None of us wants to shut libraries but we are being put under enormous pressure by the government to save money. We have invested in seven libraries and now need further investment in the five libraries identified for closure.
We are now asking for expressions of interest in developing community services working in partnership to provide an outreach library service from our hub libraries. The message this deferment sends is that we won’t just fall into line with the government coalition but that together with the community we’ll investigate every possibility in the search of offering local library services. ”
Councillor Alan Hall, Chair of Lewisham Labour Group, said, “Everyone knows that this Con Democrat government is shifting their cuts on to local Councils. The Labour Group want to make sure that every option is explored before library closures are considered.
We welcome the Mayor's decision to allow a further two months to see if community groups will come forward to work with the Council.
The Tories and Lib Dems want to cut local Council services and that includes libraries - as Labour Councillors we do not set out to cut these services."
Lewisham Council, along with all Councils in England, is facing a government cut of almost 30% over four years and as a result, Council officers have been asked to come forward with proposals for savings, one of which was the closure of the five libraries.
Councillor Chris Best, who has responsibility for libraries, said, “None of us wants to shut libraries but we are being put under enormous pressure by the government to save money. We have invested in seven libraries and now need further investment in the five libraries identified for closure.
We are now asking for expressions of interest in developing community services working in partnership to provide an outreach library service from our hub libraries. The message this deferment sends is that we won’t just fall into line with the government coalition but that together with the community we’ll investigate every possibility in the search of offering local library services. ”
Councillor Alan Hall, Chair of Lewisham Labour Group, said, “Everyone knows that this Con Democrat government is shifting their cuts on to local Councils. The Labour Group want to make sure that every option is explored before library closures are considered.
We welcome the Mayor's decision to allow a further two months to see if community groups will come forward to work with the Council.
The Tories and Lib Dems want to cut local Council services and that includes libraries - as Labour Councillors we do not set out to cut these services."
