The fight will continue (From Harrow Times)

The fight will continue

11:58am Friday 21st October 2011 in Your letters

I was at the High Court when Mr Justice Ouseley delivered his judgement on the application for judicial review on the issue of library closures in Brent.

It was very disappointing that the claim was dismissed. However, the library campaigners are planning to apply to the Court of Appeal to reverse the decision. In my opinion the judgment is erroneous in law and I am optimistic that an appeal will be granted.

It is absolutely unimaginable that the Labour administration on Brent Council would behave the way it did by closing all six libraries before the ink was even dry and before an appeal could be lodged.

Had it had any concern for the residents of the borough, it would have waited for a few more days to listen to the views of the honourable appellate court.

I was at Preston Road Library in my ward when they were boarding up the building and it was so sad to witness a mother with her three-year-old son attempting to borrow some books, but finding instead that the library was closed.

I wish that the Labour admiration had shown a little respect to the residents by holding up these closures instead of rubbing salt into the wound by instantaneous closures.

It is unfortunate that the arrogance of this Labour administration has brought much distress to the library users in the borough and great cost to the taxpayer by refusing to consider the alternative plans put forward by residents. However, this is not the end and the fight will continue. As Conservatives, we will continue to fully support the campaign and do everything we can to keep our libraries open.

Councillor Harshadbhai Patel
Conservative, Preston Ward, Brent Council