News / budget
No libraries to close before 2016
No libraries in Bristol will close before 2016, following a cross-party outcry about proposals, which could have seen seven libraries across the city shut.
The libraries under threat were in Westbury-on-Trym, Redland, Marksbury Road, Eastville, Clifton, Wick Road, Brislington, and Sea Mills.
The council is conducting a four month consultation on the future of libraries in Bristol. Even if the consultation recommends closure for any of the buildings that will be delayed until after April 2016.
is needed now More than ever
Mayor George Ferguson said he is allowing time to make alternative plans and bring “any creative or unusual ideas to fruition”.
He will also consider how libraries could link with other council services.
“Listening carefully”
The council need to save £1.1m and a council statement said if the libraries are saved it “does not rule out making savings elsewhere”.
George Ferguson said that he has seen “a tremendous strength of feeling” about the future of libraries and that he had “been listening carefully”.
“On one hand this is very encouraging as it means people are more likely to be part of the solution, but on the other hand it drives home that we absolutely need enough time to reduce any unnecessary risk to libraries and make a success of people’s good ideas from all sources,” he added.
“However, we continue to be faced with overall cuts and there remain hard choices to be made which will require a review of some budget decisions”
“Must get right”
Cllr Daniella Radice, Assistant Mayor for Neighbourhoods added: “It is a huge challenge to deliver the savings required by national austerity measures.”
She said the decision will “take some of the urgency out of the decision” and the council will have time “to see what ideas people come up with and how we as a council can help make them happen”.
Cllr Geoff Gollop, Deputy Mayor of Bristol said that “libraries are a sensitive issue and one we all realise we absolutely must get right”.
Cllr Gollop has made public his opposition to any plans to reduce library provision. His own local library in Westbury was one of those on a risk of closure list. He was due to move a motion on this proposals at Tuesday’s meeting of the Full Council.
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