Anyone SW11/18 mums who don't think services that affect the poorest should be cut first...

[BookwormSW11]

I've got a thread on the Wandsworth pages but haven't got any interest yet. I know that there are many on mumsnet who will want to help:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/local_wandsworth/1084607-Potential-library-closures?msgid=22291661#22291661

On Monday night WWorth council voted to consult on ONE option to cut the cost of providing library services in the borough. This option is to shorten library opening hours all over the borough and to CLOSE York Gardens Library. A small, well used (especially by children) community library on the north edge of 'the notorious Winstanley Estate'.

The council's press release is full of information on how expensive it is to run this library, in comparison with other libraries. and that local residents have other options nearby.

What they will not tell you is that the library is well used given its catchment area, which is of a significantly different make up than populations around other libraries. 32,000 books were loaned to children from this library in 2008/9. It provides IT facilities to adults and children in any area with the lowest ownership level of computers in the borough. On a dark night in November, how many parents will take their children to a library some distance away, to do their homework, as opposed to being able to use the library on the estate?

No social impact assessment has been made to understand the value that this library provides to local residents (and the local population is growing) in comparison with other libraries in the borough. By the time an assessment is made, the consulation will be over and the library will have been condemned. It is important that all residents of Wandsworth participate in the consultation and speak out to save this library. The consultation has been rigged by providing no other alternative options.

Thanks MNers.

I hadn't heard anything about it until yesterday, think the problem is that too good a job has been done of keeping it quiet

I've sent the link as an email round lots of locals and we've posted on the thread now. We're also planning to mention it in the next issue of our Wandsworth Twins Club magazine so that might raise awareness there too. I'll keep spreading the word, I agree it is shocking!

BinkyB you are FABULOUS thank you. It's really important that people write write write write. To our local MP (Jane Ellison), to your local councillors (particularly if you do not live in the Latchmere Ward) and to the library service. If you'd like me to provide any support for arguments, email addresses or letters just let me know.

Also tell all your friends.

Seriously, a big big thank you.

council info

What do you propose they do instead?

Hi EldonAve, this is the latest council info: www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/article/10141/libraries_consultation_set_to_begin

Well, the council have lots of different choices they can make. For a start, they have always been proud of the fact that we have the lowest council tax in the UK. They have not saved for a rainy day. It would be a few pence on local council tax to save the library.

They could consider closing other libraries, in areas where the local residents are more affluent, more likely to have books and computers at home. But this would cause a much greater outcry from local residents, so I can understand why they don't want to do that.

They could reduce the salaries of some of their executives. The chief exec earns quite a lot more in a year than it would cost to keep this library open.

Or perhaps in keeping with the big society, they could involve community groups in running the library, to reduce its cost.

There are many many things the council could consider to raise revenue / reduce costs - and it is their job as a council to consider all the facts and to protect the parts of the community that need assistance rather than jumping to the 'easiest' answer. There are difficult decisions everywhere at the moment. I only ask that consideration is given to the social value that services provide before the axe is wielded.

Sorry, link here brariesconsultationsettobegin

From what I understand, from letter sent home with dc from school, they are considering closing other libraries (Alvering has already gone and Northcote is under consideration). Libraries are seen as one of the inevitable casualties of bailing out the banks - some rural ones are run by volunteers so it all fits into Dave's Big Society claptrap to cut funding and have the community take them on instead .

thanks for the link

Hi lalalonglegs. They were considering closing other libraries but have now decided to consult ONLY on closing York Gardens Link and reducing opening hours at other libraries. The link I posted above at 21:11 details this. Northcote is not under consideration anymore. Are you DC at Belleville or Honeywell? It would be lovely if people near to other libraries would also speak out to support this one.

Hi Adversecamber - thanks for the link. Can't get any of the email addresses to work but have taken a look at the site - really interesting.

Bloody hell, that was quick, they only sent the letter a few days ago. I agree it's appalling but, apart from writing to the council, what can we do (genuinely would like advice about action we can take)?

Thanks! I'm really heartened by every offer of support.

Here's something you can do:
Please write to explain your views to:

Your local councillors. Find out who they are here: www.wandsworth.gov.uk/info/200033/councillors_democracy_and_elections/441/councillors/1

our MP. Jane Ellison [email protected]

Lucy Allan, who chairs the committee who has made this decision: [email protected]

The head of the Library Service: [email protected]

Or hand write / type up a letter and drop it off in any local library.

If the council respond, they will tell you lots of 'good' reasons why this library has been singled out for closure. However, the social value of this library has not been measured or accounted for at all. They may also say that the consultation has not yet started - which is true and you can write again when the consultation is open. However, as it currently stands they will consult on one option only, singling out York Gardens Library for closure. It's important to write now so that the council realise that people from all over Wandsworth are opposed to this plan.

Thank you. I'm truly truly grateful.

should say [email protected]

Just sent an extremely articulate and impassioned email to Ellison and it has bounced back - are you sure that email address is correct?

Sent it to the second address you listed for her by the way.

thats the rural ones who pay double the council tax thats paid in london
anyways i always understood most londoners couldnt read

Should be jane.Ellison.mp sorry!!

Done.

and you, thereiver, don't know about grammar.

Thanks lalalonglegs - much appreciated. Please tell all your friends!!