I was recently invited along to a public meeting of the Save Streetly Library campaign group to hear their concerns about proposed library closures.
Libraries are about more than just books. They are vital community hubs, providing a trusted space, IT facilities and much much more. Streetly library is one such example of a community hub in action.
Under current proposals from Walsall Council all of the libraries in Aldridge-Brownhills are at risk of closure – that means Aldridge, Brownhills, Pelsall, Rushall, Streetly and Walsall Wood. Whilst at this stage these are only proposals suggested by Walsall Borough Council, I urge constituents to take part in the consultation and make their voices heard on this and any other of the budget proposals they have views on.
I also raised the issue of libraries in the House of Commons with the Leader of the House on the 17th of November.
More information on the Council’s budget proposals can be found at http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/budgethaveyoursay and contributions can be made up until 9th December 2016. The contact details to submit your views on any of the suggested proposals are below.
Email: budgetconsultation@walsall.gov.uk<mailto:budgetconsultation@walsall.gov.uk>
Write to: Budget Consultation, Walsall Council, Civic Centre, Darwall Street, Walsall, WS1 1TP