News / Politics
Eastville Library closure approved
Eastville Library will be the only library to close its doors after a programme of cuts was finally agreed.
George Ferguson approved savings of £465,000 which will include reduced hours at all 27 libraries and the closure, and possible relocation, of the Eastville branch.
Certain libraries could be open as little as 20 hours per week under the new plans which could also include the introduction of electronic swipe card access.
is needed now More than ever
The decision represents a partial U-turn after the mayor announced seven libraries were under review for closure at the beginning of the year.
After widespread outcry over the move, saving targets were scaled back to keep six of the seven libraries open with reduced schedules.
However, the u-turn means alternative savings of £635,000 will need to be made from elsewhere in the council budget to balance the books.
Despite the new solution, protests have continued at Eastville Library, with local councillors leading a 600-strong petition to keep the service open.
The council says it will move the service to create a “new library provision to better serve the people of Lockleaze”.
It also says it is “exploring opportunities” for an alternative use for the existing Muller Road library building.
After a final decision was taken at a meeting of Ferguson’s cabinet on Tuesday evening, the mayor said: “There has been a great deal of passion shown for local libraries, with communities coming together to make strong, valid and heartfelt representations, in particular from children who can benefit so much from a local library.
“With regards to Eastville Library on Muller Road, we are committed to relocating library services to a location in Lockleaze, that will better serve the local community.”
He added that the city has more libraries per head than any other in the country.
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