Lewisham residents reject Labour’s library closures Grove Park Councillor Christine Allison has condemned Labour Mayor Sir Steve Bullock’s plans to close libraries across - (22/10/10)

Conservative Grove Park Councillor Christine Allison has condemned Labour Mayor Sir Steve Bullock’s plans to close libraries across Lewisham.

Cllr Allison said:

“It should be clear to Sir Steve Bullock by now that people feel passionately about keeping their libraries open.  It is not just about taking out books - it’s about so much more than that.  Young and old use the library to access computers, pre-school children meet others for reading and other social activities

“We all know that Lewisham’s Labour-run council has to make cuts to save money but why did they not tell us at the May election elections that they planned to close five local libraries?  They must have known because these proposals were announced so soon after they had been returned to power.

“The truth is that Labour is not prepared to make cuts in backroom costs – such as consultants’ fees and agency workers – and insist on continuing with taxpayer-subsidised propaganda such as Lewisham Life.  They have wasted money on projects that most of the community don’t understand and don’t value.

“The council has asked the community to comment on the library closure proposals.  They have their answer: local residents say no to closing their library.  Sir Steve must withdraw his proposals now”.