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Seven city libraries could close after review
Seven libraries in Bristol are under threat of closure and some 40 full time equivalent library staff may lose their jobs following the results of a widespread library consultation.
The libraries which have been identified for possible closure are:
- Clifton
- Eastville
- Marksbury Road
- Redland
- Sea Mills
- Westbury
- Wick Road
The city council runs 28 libraries, including Central Library. 130 full-time equivalent staff are employed across the city. The service has to save £1.1m from the library budget.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol City Council have revealed the results of the first round of public consultation which finished in February. More than 8,000 responses were received from the first round of consultation.
Libraries have been put into three groups – ones which already provide a core service, ones which require further investment and a third group which are under threat.
The libraries identified have one or a combination of issues including poor building structure, proximity the other libraries and community demand.
Daniella Radice, Assistant Mayor for Places, said any decision to close libraries was “horrible” but she added “that is the horror of austerity,” and they have to preserve “the geographical spread (of libraries) over the city”.
Di Robinson, service director for neighbourhood and community, said that she wanted to emphasise that no decisions had been taken.
Cabinet Member and Councillor, Geoff Gollop (Con, Westbury-on-Trym), said: “If this proposition gets the go-ahead, then places such as Westbury on Trym, where I’m councillor, will lose one of the last remaining tangible council services supplied to residents.
“There is absolutely no way Conservatives can back this and if anyone thinks otherwise, then I am afraid they are in for a very rude awakening.”
The proposals are included in the second round of libraries consultation which will be presented to the Council Cabinet on March 3. Depending on the outcome of that meeting a second stage of consultation will begin on March 4.
The second round of consultation finishes on May 27 and a final decision will be made by cabinet on July 7.
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