Bristol Lib Dems fight against proposed library closures
Bristol Liberal Democrat Councillors are standing up against drastic cuts to the city’s libraries.
Council papers published this week revealed that the city’s libraries could face up to a staggering £2.4m in cuts. Councillors are being asked to consider the proposal that could result in up to 17 libraries across the city closing in public meetings next week.
Cllr Stephen Williams, Lib Dem spokesperson for libraries, said: “Libraries are a vital community resource. They not only allow people to access books and educational resources, but they are also essential community hubs that bring people together.
“The new council administration has had to grapple with years of stealth cuts to libraries by Bristol Labour, who had also planned to downgrade the Central Library. They kept the network of branch library buildings but slashed the opening hours and froze staff recruitment. As a result, we have in reality a very poor service.
“I am determined to deliver a better service, working with administration colleagues to modernise our library offer. We will safeguard the Central Library and craft a branch service that is available at the times most convenient for local people”.
The proposals come as councillors prepare to set the Council’s budget for the next financial year. A range of savings options are being considered in order to plug the £52 million pound funding gap that was left behind by the previous Labour administration in City Hall.
Lib Dem Group Leader Cllr Jos Clark said “We recognise that the Council has been left in a tricky financial position following years of financial mismanagement by Bristol Labour and a disastrous economic crash by the previous Conservative Government.
“However, we cannot allow our libraries to bear the brunt of the cuts. The Liberal Democrats are committed to ensuring that Bristolians have a library service that is fit for the next generation.”
Notes to editors:
- Details of the proposed cuts can be found in the papers for the meetings of the Finance Sub-Committee on the 15th and 16th of January: ModernGov - bristol.gov.uk