14 December 2010
Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown attended a public meeting last Friday (10 December 2010) regarding the future of Lechlade Library, which could close as a result of budget cuts by Gloucestershire County Council. The meeting came as a result of a petition put together by the Lechlade Women’s Institute.
The meeting was standing room only as around 100 local residents showed up to raise their concerns regarding the Library.
Along with Mr Clifton-Brown the meeting was attended by County Councillor Ray Theodoulou and Cotswold District Councillor Sandra Carter. They explained that it was possible that the Cotswold Volunteer Bureau might take over the running of Lechlade Library from the Country Council.
After an opening introduction from Cllr Theodoulou the meeting was opened to the floor and a number of comments were made by those present.
The main comment, that was repeatedly made, was that Lechlade Library is threatened with closure but that Fairford Library will remain open, despite the fact that they are similar sized towns but Lechlade is 6 miles further away from the main library in Cirencester. A suggestion was made that Fairford and Lechlade libraries should work closely together with a little outreach help from the professional librarians in Cirencester.
Commeting on the meeting Mr Clifton-Brown said, “I was delighted to attend the meeting and hear the comments of so many locals. I very much appreciate the efforts by Elizabeth Peacock, of the Lechlade WI, for organising the event.”
“I believe the numbers in attendance demonstrate the widespread support for Lechlade Library and I believe it was very useful for the County and District Councils to hear the vies of those who will be affected by a potential closure”
“I will always do what I can to support local services and to ensure they remain. I believe that it is incumbent on all sides to ensure that a fair solution is reached.”
The meeting was standing room only as around 100 local residents showed up to raise their concerns regarding the Library.
Along with Mr Clifton-Brown the meeting was attended by County Councillor Ray Theodoulou and Cotswold District Councillor Sandra Carter. They explained that it was possible that the Cotswold Volunteer Bureau might take over the running of Lechlade Library from the Country Council.
After an opening introduction from Cllr Theodoulou the meeting was opened to the floor and a number of comments were made by those present.
The main comment, that was repeatedly made, was that Lechlade Library is threatened with closure but that Fairford Library will remain open, despite the fact that they are similar sized towns but Lechlade is 6 miles further away from the main library in Cirencester. A suggestion was made that Fairford and Lechlade libraries should work closely together with a little outreach help from the professional librarians in Cirencester.
Commeting on the meeting Mr Clifton-Brown said, “I was delighted to attend the meeting and hear the comments of so many locals. I very much appreciate the efforts by Elizabeth Peacock, of the Lechlade WI, for organising the event.”
“I believe the numbers in attendance demonstrate the widespread support for Lechlade Library and I believe it was very useful for the County and District Councils to hear the vies of those who will be affected by a potential closure”
“I will always do what I can to support local services and to ensure they remain. I believe that it is incumbent on all sides to ensure that a fair solution is reached.”
