Three Local Libraries face closure

Following publication of Surrey Lib Dems concerns about the Conservative administration's plans for Public Libraries, a list of the first tranche at risk has now been published. It includes SCC's libraries at Ewell Court House, Stoneleigh Broadway and Tattenham Corner.

After formal consultation, local organisations will be given an opportunity to find voluntary staff to run these libraries, with SCC just supplying the books etc. Unless sufficient volunteers can be found to run the libraries for nothing, it seems likely that these libraries will be closed.

Lib Dem Cllr Jonathan Lees, who lives in West Ewell, said "Local Libraries like that at Ewell Court are at the heart of really local communities. This particular Library does have its own 'Friends' organisation, so there must be some hope that appropriate volunteers can be found, if the Borough Council will continue to make the building available."

"For any community, losing its local library will be a bitter blow. Not enough consideration seems to have been given to the value of a good library to the education of our children, preparing them to compete successfully in tomorrow's world."

"Local libraries are a valued meeting place and provide a lifeline for older people, especially those who cannot afford a car, or for whom driving is no longer advisable."