At the Attention: ANN JOHN OBE (Strategy and policy co-ordination)
Email: cllr.ann.john@brent.gov.uk
Dear Ann,
I am a resident of Brent, living in Dollis Hill, although my library in Willesden High Street has been saved this time around, I am deeply concerned by the consequences for other residents of the borough living in Kensal Rise, Barham Park, Cricklewood, Neasden, Preston, and Tokyngton.
I have read the Intervention plan from the "Save Kensal Rise Library" campaigning group, to keep running the library at 2/3 less than current cost while improving services.
Why do you stubbornly persist in going ahead with the closure of the libraries when there is clearly a cost effective alternative?
At the start of the year Brent opened a public consultation to supposedly ask residents ' opinion on the closure of libraries. I believe you received an unambiguous "NO". So why do you ask your citizens' opinion if it is to do just the opposite? To make us believe that our say counts in this democratic society we live in? It does not seem so!
This decision you are making against the overwhelming majority of Brent residents will have a damaging effect primarily on the level of literacy among kids from disadvantaged social backgrounds. Secondly you are taking from "us" a community space that plays a vital role in social cohesion.
My voice is joined by 8 other Brent residents living in my house and many more I believe.
I urged you to have a minute of reflection, come to the libraries, talk to residents and think of the consequences of your decisions. When the Brent executive meeting comes on Monday 11 April at 7pm remember all the residents that have faith in you to represent them, save the libraries.
Your sincerely,
Sandra DeA
RESPONSE FROM: LESLEY JONES (HR, diversity, local democracy and consultation)
RESPONSE FROM: LESLEY JONES (HR, diversity, local democracy and consultation)
Dear Sandra,
No one is happy with the possibility of libraries closing. It is a sensitive and emotive issue. But with the savage cuts imposed on us by the coalition government, we have no choice if statutory services are to be maintained. It is not Brent councillors being stubborn but councillors attempting to manage the situation central government have created for local authorities.
For at least 12 years senior library managers have advised councillors that there was a need to review locations and “rationalise” our libraries if we were to maintain buildings and reach national library standards. They have advised over the years that maintaining all libraries was not sustainable in the long term. No administration in the past 12 years has had the courage to heed this advice because it is such a sensitive issue. With the Libraries Transformation project, we are committed to have remaining libraries open each day, with a good level of new stock and other facilities.
I do understand the feeling expressed but we have not choice but to make severe cuts in ALL service budgets. This year the cut is £37m. By the end of the month we will have to start planning for the further reductions government expects us to make - around £100m over four years. We will have lost around 500 council jobs at all levels by the end of 2011.
It is appreciated that community groups put in considerable effort to produce business plans and that there were some good aspects in almost all. They were thoroughly evaluated. However, it was made clear to all wishing to consider a business plan to take over a site that there should be NO cost and NO risk to the council. Unfortunately, no plan achieved this basic aim and some did not take account of essentials such as employment law or health and safety aspects. All assumed contributions from the council over one or more years, contributions we cannot afford to make, either now or in the near future.
Regards.
Cllr Lesley Jones References:
Save Kensal Library - campaigning group
Facebook - Save Kensal Library!
NewStatesman - Zadie Smith speaks out in defence of libraries
Willesden & Brent TImes: Brent Council to close six libraries in the borough despite residents’ protests
Guardian - Library campaigners demand public inquiry into closures
Independent - Overdue! The fight to save our libraries begins
The bookSeller - Campaigners hand in 6,000-strong petition over Brent library
The bookSeller - Campaigners hand in 6,000-strong petition over Brent library
"Unfortunately, no plan achieved this basic aim and some did not take account of essentials such as employment law or health and safety aspects. All assumed contributions from the council over one or more years, contributions we cannot afford to make, either now or in the near future."
ReplyDeleteSo, is it possible to devise a plan within these parameters? If all plans have been thoroughly evaluated, is it possible to see the results of the evaluation? Exactly what was wrong with them in order to remedy the issues that the council had?