Streatham library 'at risk' following meeting, say councillors (From This Is Local London)

Streatham library 'at risk' following meeting, say councillors

8:20am Sunday 29th January 2012 in News By Rachel Blundy

Fears that a library service could be cut back have intensified after councillors rejected a proposal to maintain its current facilities.

Opposition councillors now believe Streatham Library faces being overhauled by Lambeth Council to cut costs.

The 120-year-old library on Streatham High Road has so far fared better than its counterpart in West Norwood, which remains closed for repairs, but could still be adapted to save money later this year.

At a full council meeting last Wednesday (January 25), Liberal Democrat councillor Kita Ogden put forward a motion to keep the library in its existing form.

She said: “Council is determined to ensure that any rebuilding, reconfiguration or replacement of the current Streatham library will provide a library that is at the minimum equivalent to what exists at present in terms of floor space, book stock and all other facilities.”

But the motion was amended by councillor Florence Nosegbe, cabinet member for culture, and subsequently passed by councillors.

A clause stating the library must be kept in its current state was struck out, and replaced with a new clause stating the library must “reflect the needs of local residents and users”.

It said: “Streatham Library will provide a sustainable modernised library service that includes wi-fi, self service technology, with the principles of the co-operative council, and a library service that is designed to reflect the needs of local residents and users.”

Councillors also approved a motion condemning Conservatives at Croydon Council for their decision to withdraw funding the Upper Norwood Library, which is jointly run by both councils.

Councillor for Gipsy Hill ward, Matthew Bennett, presented a petition with more than 800 signatures from residents opposing the library’s closure.

It is thought the library’s management could eventually be devolved to user groups in an effort to save it.