UPDATE

In a decision which will alarm campaigners against library closures, the appeal against Brent Council's plans to close six libraries in their borough has been turned down by the appeal judges.

The key words in the ruling announced on 19th December were "Given the scale of the spending reductions the council was required to make and the information available following earlier studies, a decision that the library service should bear a share of the reduction was not, in my judgment, unlawful."

The case may be taken to the Supreme Court for one last appeal.

LIBRARY CAMPAIGN

Although Bradmore Green Library remains open for business as usual, the threat to our libraries continues. Croydon Council are market testing plans that could include bringing in an alternative provider to oversee library operations i.e. outsourcing in conjunction with Wandsworth Council.

On Saturday 22nd October, Library Campaigner Sally Ward-Lee attended the Library Campaign Conference at London University Union on behalf of over 2,000 supporters of Bradmore Green Library. This conference was attended by representatives from many areas, including Somerset, Brent, Oxfordshire, Dorset and Doncaster - as well as two representatives from the London Borough of Croydon.

We heard how libraries up and down the country have come under threat: many had already closed, or faced closure. As you will be aware, Bradmore Green and the other Croydon libraries are awaiting the Council's decision on the outsourcing of the Borough's library services. We are "safe" for the time being, but that could change!

In the London Borough of Brent, campaigners have won the right to appeal against the closure of half their libraries. The appeal was heard at the Court of Appeal on 10-11th November 2011. This case could, if the appeal is upheld, become a "test case" for other libraries. We expect to hear the judgement in the Brent Case within the next three weeks.

Meanwhile, a High Court ruling against plans to cut Somerset and Gloucester services is a major boost to the national libraries campaign. This will give fresh energy to other campaigners throughout the country and, we hope, encourage Croydon Council to be more open with us on what they are planning for Bradmore Green, and other libraries in the Borough.

We are assured by Croydon Council that the outcome of the discussions with Wandsworth and outside companies who may run our libraries will be reported back and then put out for consultation with residents before any decision is taken. We would want to see careful, independent scrutiny of any contracts awarded. We are worried that long-term contracts might be awarded to companies who then prove to be incompetent or renege on their responsibilities, or charge fees to library users- as has happened in other Boroughs - or sell off the land or buildings.

Other news from the Conference: A new All-party Parliamentary Group on Libraries has been set up which may offer hope for more sensible help by politicians, nationally.

You can help by supporting our wonderful library. Please go along to Bradmore Green and enjoy yourself. The selection of books, and other services from your friendly local staff are as excellent as ever. It is a treasure-house - so please use it as much as possible.

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