Council reduce hours at two Merton libraries
The library in Colliers Wood is to have its opening times cut to four days a week, as part of council cost-saving measures.
Donald Hope Library in the High Street, will be closed on Wednesdays and Fridays when the changes come into effect in April 2011.
But opening times will be extended through the lunch hour on the days it is open - taking the total number of hours cut back to four-and-a-half.
West Barnes Library in New Malden is similarly affected, following a decision made by Merton Borough Council's Cabinet, which received a petition against cutting the hours at West Barnes Library.
The meeting was told that a consultation carried out in 2009, resulted in the message that lunchtime closures should be ended.
Campaigners will now be staging public meetings in the New Year against the reduced hours at both libraries. The dates have yet to be set.
Councillor Samantha George, Conservative Spokesman on Community and Culture, said afterwards: "I'm extremely concerned about Labour’s lack of respect for our libraries and fear this is the thin end of the wedge. Our libraries provide a highly valuable local service and are supported by residents of all ages. Reducing hours will have a detrimental effect on our whole community, not least on our poorest and most vulnerable residents."
December 17, 2010
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