Relief after library closures expected to be scrapped by council cabinet
NOT a single library in Suffolk is now set to close, subject to county council confirmation on July 19.
The views of more than 35,000 people who signed petitions have been acknowledged, pressuring the council into reconsidering its plans to close 29 of Suffolk’s 44 libraries.
But Suffolk County Council’s cabinet is expected to support a scheme that sees libraries transferred into a central organisation, with several libraries part of a pilot scheme involving local people.
The changes will see 30 per cent saved in the council’s library funds.
Judy Terry, the council’s portfolio holder for libraries, said: “What has been fundamental for us is the need to take account of the views of Suffolk people, and we have listened.
“Most important of all was not closing any of Suffolk’s libraries. We feel the proposals being put forward strike the right balance between protecting much-loved council services whilst finding necessary and unavoidable financial savings.”
But James Hargrave, who campaigned to keep Stradbroke Library open, was more cautious.
He said: “It’s good news, but there are still a couple of concerns, as there’s that 30 per cent funding cut, and the idea of an arms-length company needs looking into.”
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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