Lib Dems uncover secret Labour and Tory plans to close down East Street Library (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems uncover secret Labour and Tory plans to close down East Street Library

February 1, 2004 12:00 AM

Jane Salmon and the Liberal Democrats have reacted with disbelief at secret Labour & Tory party plans to close Walworth's popular East Street library and reduce the opening hours of Newington library on Walworth Road.

Jane Salmon said:

"I am appalled at the possibility that the Labour and Tory opposition parties on the Scrutiny Committee are considering massive cuts in Library services. The draconian cuts they are considering include closing East Street library for good and a massive reduction in opening hours at other libraries. The residents would be going back to the dark ages if they elect the Labour's ex-town hall spin doctor whose party wants to close our libraries."

Liberal Democrats have made a big investment in the borough's libraries since taking control of Southwark Council in May 2002. The People's Network launched last year by the Lib Dem council is a scheme that aims to give everyone the opportunity to use computers have access to the internet and other learning resources. In Southwark this scheme has meant there are now 150 computers available in libraries across Walworth and Southwark bringing free access to our residents.