Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has voiced his deep concern over Denbighshire County Council’s plan to reduce opening times at all of its eight libraries by 50 per cent.
This week the council launched a public consultation on the proposals, which would involve job losses, and James is encouraging people to respond and make their views known.
He said:
“Denbighshire County Council is proposing a severe cut to the opening times of its libraries in a bid to save money. However, this is an extreme move and will undoubtedly be unpopular with the public.
“Our libraries are well used by people of all ages throughout Denbighshire. They provide a space for people to study, to find work, to read, to educate, to socialise and so much more. Over the years, the council has reduced its public facing offices and the One Stop Shops based at libraries need to be accessible to those needing face to face assistance. Likewise, banking services are operated from some libraries and these clearly require the facilities to be open in order to function.
“Not everyone has a safe place to read or study, or access to computers, printers and wifi, and some rely on libraries for this. Reducing the availability of libraries would therefore be severely detrimental to our local communities.
“It is very disappointing that Denbighshire County Council are even considering such drastic action, and I am concerned that councillors were only informed of the proposals the day before the consultation was launched. These plans would have a major impact and should have been debated properly prior to going out to consultation. The background to the plans also raises significant questions and challenges about how the council manages its finances.”
He added:
“The consultation will be open until October 30th and I urge people to respond. If you wish to protect our libraries, it is vital that you have your say.”
People can respond to the consultation either online or via a paper version which can be printed from the website: https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/755
In addition to members of the public, Denbighshire County Council will be consulting with Trade Unions, local Community Councils, and the groups or organisations who volunteer or run services from the libraries.
