Cotswold village could lose public library (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cotswold village could lose public library

BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER could be set to lose another public amenity if plans to close two county libraries come to fruition.

Over the last few months the Conservative cabinet at Shire Hall has planned the secret closures as part of the budget plans.

It is not known which libraries face the axe but it is understood Bourton is among those identified by a 2004 survey as needing support.

The plans were only revealed last week at a meeting of the Adult Services Scrutiny Committee during enquiries about budget plans.

But the Conservative councillor responsible refused to say which libraries will shut, when it would happen and whether any jobs will be lost.

The news of the possible closure came as a shock to Bourton parish council chairman Peter Morris.

He said: "My initial reaction is horror. I can't believe Bourton could be without a library. I have been here all my life and there has always been a library. We won't let it go without a fight."

Cllr Morris said the village had been hoping for a new library, not for the current one to close.

He said: "It's easy if it's left to run-down to the extent that it will be closed.

There will be nowhere else to go. There is very little public transport but why should people have to get the bus to Stow to go to the library."

Cllr Deryck Nash, the county council Liberal Democrat spokesman for Adult Services, slammed the plans saying: "Two years ago we asked for a review of libraries to find out which needed support and resources to modernise.

"It is disappointing that the Conservatives have used this information to pick on two they can shut down to save money."

Cllr Nash's comments were shared by fellow Liberal Democrat county councillor Roger Brown who said the plans could deal another blow to Cotswold market towns.

He said: "We are grateful that the plans to modernise the library in Cirencester still seem on track but this is potentially disastrous news for two rural libraries and potentially another blow to the quality of life in our market towns.

But Cllr Tony Hicks, lead councillor for adult services and libraries, said no library closures had been confirmed.

He said: "No decisions have been made on any of the published draft budget proposals. The draft budget indicates the possibility of closing two libraries but should this happen we would consult fully with staff and local people over any changes to library provision."