Parents march to Southampton city centre to save Millbrook library (Southampton Liberal Democrats)

Southampton Liberal Democrats <info@southampton-libdems.org.uk>

Parents march to Southampton city centre to save Millbrook library

February 11, 2010 6:15 PM
In Southampton Daily Echo

ANGRY mums marched on the Civic Centre in Southampton to deliver a message from 600 residents: "Don't close our library".

Brandishing placards and banners they demanded Tory council chiefs ditch plans to shut Millbrook library.

They claim the library in Cumbrian Way, Millbrook, is vital for after-school clubs and free internet facilities.

.Campaigner Steve Plumridge handed leisure bosses a 600-name Liberal Democrat petition urging a rethink.

He accused the council plotting to save up to £25,000 a year by shutting the library while splashing £85,000 on a spin doctor He said: "It is an absolutely disgrace that the city council is going to close this library, which is a vital service to the local community.

"What will the closure of Millbrook Library do to help the education of the local children?"

Mum-of-two Susan Wilcox, 47, who joined the demonstration, said she used the library every day with her young children, hiring six books a week.

She said they used the library computers to do their homework after school.

"It's vital for their education. Why should our library be closed. It's being used by the whole community. It's always busy."

Retired management consultant Clive Tunley, 72, said: "The obituary at the moment is within easy distance. If you don't make them easy to use people won't use them. Saying you can go to Shirley. Well, as far as I'm concerned that means a bus trip or car journey."

Mum-of-two Suzie Rawlins, 34, added: "Millbrook library is a local community focal point. Taking that away will deprive the community of a place to go and meet and get to know each other."

Cabinet member for leisure councillor John Hannides accused Lib Dems of trying to "mislead" residents.

He said the library had to close to make way for a project to regenerate Cumbrian Way over the next year.

Cllr Hannides said a mobile library would be brought in while ten maisonettes, ten shops, and offices are to be knocked down to make way for 56 houses and flats. And the redevelopment will included one of five new retail units.

He said: "We have left the door open that one of those units could be brought into use as a library. If it's judged there is a clear and overwhelming desire to see a library it's something we could reflect upon."

Story originally published here: http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/5003362.Parents_march_to_save_library/