Liberal Democrats condemn Labour mistruths on Newington Library (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

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

Liberal Democrats condemn Labour mistruths on Newington Library

October 25, 2006 12:00 PM

Southwark Liberal Democrat Councillor Lorraine Zuleta has condemned the mistruths being peddled by local Labour councillors about Newington library.

"Labour's claims are untrue and irresponsible," said Cllr Lorraine Zuleta, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Culture Leisure and Sports. "They claim that Newington Library's reference facilities will close and this is simply not the case. If they ever want to be taken seriously in this Borough then they should have the decency to debate the issues rather than peddle untruths."

"The fact is that the current reference provision in Newington Library falls foul of the Disability Discrimination Act. The cost of making the current provision compliant with the Act would be out of all proportion because of the listed nature of the building."

"There is no quick and cheap fix in this case which would. All the possibilities have been examined and found to be too expensive. If Labour are demanding that the current provision be maintained whatever the cost then it just shows how irresponsible they would be with public money should they ever run this Council again."

"Instead of an exorbitant cost, we are bringing into use a section of the library which is currently not open to the public. We will be providing a greater floor space for the reference section than currently exists was well as more computer terminals."

"In addition, we will be improving reference facilities for users of other libraries and via the internet for the first time. This is an improvement to the current service and presumably something which Labour are opposed to.

"All regular users of the library have been invited to take a tour to discuss the new layout and facilities. This tour is available to everyone, including Cllr McNeill, if they wish to learn the truth about our plans."