Campaigners lose legal fight to keep libraries open (From Harrow Times)
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Campaigners lose legal fight to keep libraries open
5:10pm Monday 19th December 2011 in News
Message left by a young campaigner last month at Preston Road Library campaigners left messages on the boarded-up building at Preston Library
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to keep six libraries from closure in Brent have lost their legal battle at the Court of Appeal today.
People from group Brent SOS (Save our Six Libraries) were told their appeal to save the libraries from closure by Brent Council was overturned.
The council will save around £1million by closing the libraries.
The six include Preston, Barham Park, Cricklewood, Kensal Rise, Neasden, and Tokyngton libraries.
Liberal Democrat group leader Paul Lorber pledged the group would “continue” the campaign against what he called a “disastrous and destructive library policy”.
He added: “We must continue to put pressure on the Labour councillors who voted for the closures. No other area has suffered the loss of such a large proportion of its libraries.
“There is also an obligation on Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt. He should take seriously his legal duty to superintend the library service and order an inquiry.”
Council leader, Councillor Ann John, said she was “pleased” with the decision.
Cllr John highlighted the Library Transformation programme, which will take place now a decision has been reached.
The system involved the closure of the six libraries but improvements to the remaining six libraries in the borough, with plans for a huge re-development of Wembley Library.
She said: “We will now be able to begin implementing the improvement plan that will deliver a better library service."
What do you think of the decision? How will you be affected by the closure of a library near you? Leave your comments below or email Suruchi Sharma at ssharma@london.newsquest.co.uk
