Save our libraries

11.47.04am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 17th Oct 2006

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams, has reaffirmed her support for Talgarth and Llanwrtyd Wells libraries, in advance of Powys County Council's reconsideration of proposals to close them.

Kirsty talking to concerned local residents at Llanwrtyd Wells Library

The Council has already decided to close the libraries once, back in July, but this decision was overturned by a Scrutiny Committee. The Council's original decision has now been referred back to the next meeting of full Council, to be held at the end of the month.

Ms Williams said: "The Scrutiny Committee took the view that other ways to achieve savings should be found that do not involve the closure of libraries or the withdrawal of local library services, and I wholeheartedly agree with them. This Council is far too willing to close frontline services, leaving our communities with fewer and fewer accessible services.

"Libraries are such a valuable resource, acting as a meeting place for local groups and an access point for IT facilities as well as a place to borrow books, and are often used most heavily by those groups in society that find it harder to travel to access services elsewhere. I very much hope the Council will not allow these libraries to close."

Notes:

On July 18th, the Council's Board agreed to close libraries at Llanfair Caerinion, Llanwrtyd Wells and Talgarth as part of budget cuts. Following unease expressed by elected Members of the Council the decision was referred to the Scrutiny Committee, who took the view that the decision should not stand. The original decision of the Board has been referred back to full Council, which meets on October 26th.