Conservative Group Leader condemns proposed Grove Park Library closure - 29/10/10

Speaking at a public meeting held on 27 October, Cllr David Britton said:

“This represents the third attempt at closing the Grove Park Library. The Library is an important feature of Grove Park life and there is no reason for suggesting closure other than the fact that it is a small library. To suggest otherwise is dishonest. The figures circulated by the Library service show that the only list in which all five libraries proposed for closure occur together in the wrong place is that of the number of books issued.

“It is also dishonest to suggest that the decision has not already been taken. If the Library is remaining open, why has the librarian been given notice that she will be made redundant in April? I believe this suggests that the decision to close this Library has already been taken.

“I am aware that an alternative suggestion for the library has been made. I am also aware that this represents a minority group interest. The majority of the Grove Park Library users wish there to be no change in the arrangements within the library. I wish to associate myself with this position. As an ex Librarian, I am extremely sceptical of the concept of a self-service library. I believe that the books will swiftly disappear (as borrowers forget to return them) and, in any case, the librarian does more than simply stamp books out and in. Book borrowing must remain the main function of the library – but advice on books, etc, must also be available. Both require a person in attendance.

“I wish to make it clear that these cuts are not a result of Coalition Government policy. They are the result of the reckless spending and living beyond our means practised by the Labour Government in office between 1997 and 2010. Gordon Brown inherited a secure and functioning economy (as Chancellor) in 1997 and handed over (as Prime Minister) a train wreck in 2010. The words “There is no more money” will act as the epitaph of the last Government. It is interesting that the package of cuts being proposed by the Mayor were prefigured in March 2010 – two months before the General and Borough elections.

“The Government has insisted that cuts should not be made in front line services. The rest of the Mayor’s package of cuts has avoided doing that. The Library cut does not. It is essential that this proposal is withdrawn and alternatives looked at which cut the expenditure without damaging the lending service.

“I am aware that the Mayor has already indicated that he intends to override local objections to his closure plan. On that basis, I wish to make the following points:

1. The basic service must be relocated to a suitable venue. Consultation on this should take place before the library is closed.

2. The actual building should be given either to London & Quadrant or the Grove Park Community Group or the local TRA to develop as an alternative community facility. It could become an IT Centre, it could be a community meeting facility like the one on the Newstead Road estate, or it could be linked with the children’s playground nearby”.