PRIVATE EYE

Issue No. 1410 | Library News (p.24)

LIBRARY users are turning to lawyers to try to prevent the next slew of cuts and closures.

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) revealed in December that it had sought legal opinion from human rights barrister Eric Metcalfe over the government's persistent shilly-shallying and blaming of local authorities for the decline in library provision.  They say the 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act, the Human Rights Act and the Equality Act all impose a duty on ministers to intervene when councils propose to make big cuts in library services.

Since there was no sign this had prompted action from culture secretary John Whittingdale, yet more local campaigns are also bringing in the lawyers.  A date was set last week for a judicial review of the decision to move the library in Church Stretton, Shropshire, from the town centre to an out-of-town space within a secondary academy school.  The campaign has been backed by shopkeepers who fear the small town centre is already at risk due to Post Office and bus route cuts.

Campaigners in the London borough of Barnet, Meanwhile, have sent a letter before claim over plans for cuts and unstaffed libraries.  Their crowdfunded legal action will challenge the consultation and safety assessments in relation to "technology enabled opening", under which library users can let themselves into unmanned libraries using their library card and a pin number.

Ends

Frances Hendrix

Martin House Farm, Hilltop Lane, Whittle le Woods, Chorley, Lancs, PR6 7QR

Tel:  01257 274 833.   Mobile: 0777 55 888 03