Lib Dems Condemn Closure of Barwell Library

The Conservative-run Cabinet on Leicestershire County Council made a decision to close Barwell Library. It's the first library to be closed following a decision that the County's community libraries need to be taken over by volunteer groups in order to stay open.

A volunteer group in Barwell had made a bit to run the library, but withdrew the bid feeling that they would not be able to sustain this operation in the long run. The volunteers aren't just responsible for the running of the library, but also expected, after a transition period, to raise the money to pay the rent and other running expenses.

Three other libraries, Braunstone, Mountsorrel and Kirby Muxloe, also have issues in finding a volunteer group to take them over and will have a decision made on them in April after further negotiation.

Michael Mullaney said: "It's extremely sad that Barwell residents are going to lose their library. It's a much used and much loved service."

"A group of volunteers did try and put together a plan to take it over, but didn't feel they could sustain it once the transition phase ended and they would be expected to pay full bills and rent."

"Volunteers aren't just expected to find time to run these libraries they're expected to raise the cash to pay tens of thousands for rent and other expenses."

"The Tories on the County Council say they have to cut back on library funding due to a loss of Government funding, but it's their own Tory colleagues in Government making these cuts."