St Helens council claim to have "reconsidered" their Library Strategy following a backlash.
Earlier this year, the council announced its new Library Strategy, which involved the closure of six libraries across the borough, in Billinge, Garswood, Parr, Peter Street, Rainford and Rainhill. This was proposed to be part of a move towards improved outreach services, digital services, community managed facilities, pop-up and book borrowing in these communities.
However, many of the communities due to be affected by the closures voiced their concerns- namely Rainhill. People living in the village branded the move "ridiculous", with many feeling the heart of the community would be ripped out by the closure of the library.
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Speaking to the ECHO in July, one person, who did not wish to be named, said : "It's disgusting, surely we need libraries more than ever so why close them? Rainhill is very well used, it is an important part of the community and this needs to be challenged. We can't allow this to happen, the community shouldn't have to suffer."
The libraries earmarked for closure were set to shut their doors from October 31 of this year, however following a decision to review the move, the council announced this week that the libraries would stay open while a six week consultation period takes place. According to the council "the decision to consult on the implementation plan comes following legal advice after a request to challenge the decision was made by objectors."
Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said: “We know that libraries are an incredibly emotive subject for many people and the previous decision was not one we took lightly. Our vision for library services in our borough is to transform the service and make it fit for the future by taking into account the changing way that people use the service, whether through online or home delivery service.
“These next steps will make sure that the decision process is even more robust and another opportunity for the public to talk about how they see the service operating and fitting into our modern times. This feedback will then inform our Library Strategy implementation plan and help model its delivery.”
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