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January 27, 2009
Eastham library on The Wirral
"The decision to close Eastham Library came as a complete shock as it had not originally been on the closure list. Apparently, it was chosen because the people of Eastham had not made any protest. Of course they hadn't protested - there was no apparent need to do so. In fact, many Eastham people supported Bromborough's petition.
The only facility provided for all the people of Eastham is the library - we do not have anything else. Whether the new hub is to be in Bromobourgh or Bebington - the people of Eastham will have to travel. Is it reasonable to expect the elderly and mothers with young children, without a car, to use public transport to obtain the same benefit as they have from the library at Eastham?"A Worswick
Posted by Perkins at January 27, 2009 3:06 PM
Comments
The bureaucrats should honour John Updike's remark: "When I write, I aim in my mind not toward New York but toward a vague spot a little to the east of Kansas. I think of the books on library shelves, without their jackets, years old, and a countryish teenaged boy finding them, and having them speak to him."
Posted by: Christopher Hawtree at January 28, 2009 9:12 AM
I understand that a local MP in the Wirral is threatening to report the council for failure to consult properly.
Are councils bound to consult a cross-section of all stakeholders in a community before rushing to a decision to close a library or radically change its character ? Or do they say "You elected us, so we will tell you your fate when it suits us" ?
Swindon council has to date not consulted a cross-section of all stakeholders in Old Town. These can only express their frustration by contacting the Swindon Advertiser, or by trying to get answers to their correspondence to councillors.
In the meantime, there is great tension in our ranks, as the council's Cabinet meets on 11th February. Everyone is in the dark about what might be announced.
A rally will be held the day before, 10th February, on the steps of the Civic Offices at 10.30 a.m. when a hefty petition will be presented to the Mayor of Swindon. Ski down to Swindon and support us !
Posted by: Shirley Bunrham at February 6, 2009 4:14 AM