WALTHAMSTOW: More then 1,000 sign libraries petition
8:59am Monday 15th August 2011 in News By Ima Jackson-Obot
Miriam Cooper 8 and Mum Hannah Wood
MORE than 1,000 people have signed a petition against the closure of two libraries.
A day of action in protest at the proposed loss of Harrow Green Library and South Chingford library was organised by unions and anti-cuts groups in Walthamstow town Square on Saturday.
Anti-cuts co-ordinator Nancy Taaffe, who works at Wood Street Library, said if 4,000 signatures can be collected by September 16, full council is obliged to debate the issue.
She added: “Libraries are vital to any community, because if you take it away, you are taking away a facility for the young and the old.
“It can keep children of the streets after school and it is a necessary resource for the unemployed.”
A 12-week public consultation on changes to the borough's library service began last month.
Smaller libraries will also have their opening hours slashed under the plans, but Walthamstow Central, North Chingford, Leyton and Leytonstone branches will be rebranded as 'Library Plus' facilities with longer opening hours and extra council services.
The council is aiming to save £1 million and improve efficiency.
A final decision is due in October.
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Walthamster says...
11:26am Mon 15 Aug 11
I'm not saying boredom causes rioting and looting, that would be stupid. But along with the other reasons, when kids are hanging round with nothing to do, it doesn't help.