As it is revealed £41,000 has been spent on local consultations

A public meeting is to be held in Ealing as opposition mounts over plans which could see the closure of seven local libraries.

The council say they have to save money and want local community orgainsations to take over the running of the libraries. However, if this can't be done it's likely they would have to close.

A series of 'consultation' events have been held at the threatened branches: Greenford; Hanwell; Northfields; Perivale; Pitshanger; West Ealing and Wood End.

It's been revealed £41,000 has been spent so far on the process. The Conservative opposition say in response to a direct question asked at the 2 April Full Council Meeting, Labour admitted that they had spent £41,000, including £17.5,000 on two consultants. 

Cllr Greg Stafford, Opposition Leader said, ''Just when you think you know all of Labour's hubris and incompetence, they reluctantly admitted to spending the equivalent salaries for at least 2 full time library staff on the consultation process to close 7 libraries! 

"Adding insult to injury, the Council is already paying senior staff to manage the service, and also a generous Special Responsibility Allowance for the Labour portfolio holder.

"Time and time again, residents have said that they want their libraries to remain open with the latest petition having over 5,000 signatures ahead of a debate at June Council Meeting.

"When will Ealing Labour stop wasting public funds on consultants, when the message is loud and clear: Leave our Libraries open!"

Many local residents have expressed their opposition to the plans and now nearly 5,000 people have signed an online petition.

Petition organiser Akuba Quansah said, ''We are in the process of contacting a number of key literary figures and political activists, committed to the cause of saving public libraries. With more than 4, 667 signatories, and with over than half of these  being Ealing Library users and residents we hope to fill the space!  It’s so important for your voices to be heard.''

A public meeting orgainsed by Ealing UNISON in collaboration with the Save Ealing Libraries Campaign will take place on Wednesday, 8 May, in the Liz Cantell Room, Ealing Town Hall, from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. 

8 April 2019