A Year to Save 13 Libraries
17th September 2006 - Andrew McLean
Conservative-run Dorset County Council have put their plans to close one-in-three of our libraries on hold for a year after a massive campaign of public opposition.
“We have received a fantastic response when campaigning against these cuts,” says Chickerell Councillor Mick Rogers (far left in the photo). Altogether over 500 people have either signed the Lib Dem petition on the doorstep or returned the slip from the last edition of the West Dorset Voice.
“Local residents value the service provided by their libraries,” added Mick. “They are an important part of our local community and help keep many of our villages alive.” At a time when many local and rural services are under threat the Liberal Democrats believe that it is vital that local councils should be doing all that they can to keep public services going. “The County Council should be increasing local services not closing them down,” concluded Mick Rogers. “We need more evening and weekend opening of our libraries and improved internet services - that would be the best way forward!”
This reprieve is only a partial victory as the Conservatives will look to reintroduce these cuts next year. In the meantime the fund used to buy new books has been cut which disadvantages all library users. Local Lib Dems have pledged to continue leading the campaign against these cuts and will go on working to protect local services.
