Liberal Democrat Councillors on North Somerset Council are concerned about the controversial decision to close the village libraries in Backwell, Banwell and Congresbury. The Lib Dems urge the ruling Conservative Executive Councillors to listen to local residents and councillors on the Community Services panel who will discuss the situation at their next meeting.

Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Deborah Yamanaka said “As an elected member for a rural area I know how important library services are to local communities. The decision taken by the ruling group will cause real deprivation to many residents in the areas affected."

Local residents and councillors in the 3 villages hope that the libraries will either stay open or move to share premises such as schools and childrens centres. Along with the closure of these 3 rural libraries the mobile library service is being slashed from 2 vehicles to 1 for the whole district, with 3-weekly intervals between visits instead of 2-weekly and far fewer stops.

Chairman of the Community Services panel Lib Dem Cllr Andy Cole said “It is important that the Conservative Executive councillors listen to the local residents who will be affected and seriously consider any recommendations which may be made by the Community Services scrutiny panel.”

ENDS

published by: North Somerset Liberal Democrats, 12 Henley Lodge, Yatton, Bristol, BS49 4JQ

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