Harold Wood library is one of three libraries in Havering set to close in March.
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The news that three Havery libraries will be closed in March has left local councillors in uproar at the damage that their absence could cause.
Harold Wood, South Hornchurch and Gidea Park libraries are set to close on the 31st March due to financial challenges. The council have said the closures will save just under £300,000 annually, but have been met with disappointment from local representatives.
“Libraries are the heartbeat of the community. [Local residents] use them for all sorts of activities – it’s not just to borrow a book,” said local councillor Martin Goode, of the East Havering Residents’ Group. “People will feel lost.”
“You cannot measure the cost that this will have on the community…this is going to be devastating,” said local Councillor Martin Goode.
The three libraries set to close have the lowest reported footfall of the 10 libraries in the area and are said to have other libraries nearby. The buildings are all said to require significant financial investment in their buildings to continue their services.
“I don’t believe the footfall is actually correct, or whatever this has been gauged on,” said Goode, discussing Harold Wood library. “A lot of people use the library for other groups – elderly groups, knit-and-natter groups, stuff like that.”
Goode claimed that the library had over 30,000 visits during the past year, despite being open for less than 24 hours per week.
“You cannot measure the cost that this will have on the community…this is going to be devastating.”
The decision comes amongst ongoing financial difficulty in the borough. Last year, a 12-week consultation saw the original proposal of closing four libraries lowered to just three. But Brian Eagling, a councillor in Harrow since 1998, expressed frustration towards Havering Council’s decision.
“They came in power 2 years ago saying they would look after the residents of Havering – well if this is looking after the residents of Havering, I’ll eat my hat,” said Eagling. “It’s absolutely crazy, and it’s not right.”
Eagling discussed other problems with residents having to use Harold Hill Library instead, citing parking costs for drivers, as well as young people having to cross the “very busy” A12 if they are on foot.
“…if this is looking after the residents of Havering, I’ll eat my hat,” said local councillor Brian Eagling. “It’s absolutely crazy…”
Over 1800 people have signed a local petition to appeal the decision. Ruth Kettle-Frisby, local campaigner and local resident, is concerned about the impact on vulnerable local people. She said the high numbers of elderly residents and children in the area would be “hit the hardest”.
“These people depend on this library for a sense of community cohesion, for cultural access, for information,” said Kettle-Frisby. “I think it is despicable – I think it amounts to gatekeeping knowledge.”
As it stands, the three libraries are set to close at the end of March.
“We’ve been trying to make our voices clear, and yet they’ve gone ahead with it anyway. It’s really just such a shame.”
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HeadlineCouncillors frustrated with decision to close three Havering libraries in March
Short HeadlineCouncillors frustrated with decision to close three Havering libraries
StandfirstThe libraries are set to close due to financial challenges.
The news that three Havery libraries will be closed in March has left local councillors in uproar at the damage that their absence could cause.
Harold Wood, South Hornchurch and Gidea Park libraries are set to close on the 31st March due to financial challenges. The council have said the closures will save just under £300,000 annually, but have been met with disappointment from local representatives.
“Libraries are the heartbeat of the community. [Local residents] use them for all sorts of activities – it’s not just to borrow a book,” said local councillor Martin Goode, of the East Havering Residents’ Group. “People will feel lost.”
“You cannot measure the cost that this will have on the community…this is going to be devastating,” said local Councillor Martin Goode.
The three libraries set to close have the lowest reported footfall of the 10 libraries in the area and are said to have other libraries nearby. The buildings are all said to require significant financial investment in their buildings to continue their services.
“I don’t believe the footfall is actually correct, or whatever this has been gauged on,” said Goode, discussing Harold Wood library. “A lot of people use the library for other groups – elderly groups, knit-and-natter groups, stuff like that.”
Goode claimed that the library had over 30,000 visits during the past year, despite being open for less than 24 hours per week.
“You cannot measure the cost that this will have on the community…this is going to be devastating.”
The decision comes amongst ongoing financial difficulty in the borough. Last year, a 12-week consultation saw the original proposal of closing four libraries lowered to just three. But Brian Eagling, a councillor in Harrow since 1998, expressed frustration towards Havering Council’s decision.
“They came in power 2 years ago saying they would look after the residents of Havering – well if this is looking after the residents of Havering, I’ll eat my hat,” said Eagling. “It’s absolutely crazy, and it’s not right.”
Eagling discussed other problems with residents having to use Harold Hill Library instead, citing parking costs for drivers, as well as young people having to cross the “very busy” A12 if they are on foot.
“…if this is looking after the residents of Havering, I’ll eat my hat,” said local councillor Brian Eagling. “It’s absolutely crazy…”
Over 1800 people have signed a local petition to appeal the decision. Ruth Kettle-Frisby, local campaigner and local resident, is concerned about the impact on vulnerable local people. She said the high numbers of elderly residents and children in the area would be “hit the hardest”.
“These people depend on this library for a sense of community cohesion, for cultural access, for information,” said Kettle-Frisby. “I think it is despicable – I think it amounts to gatekeeping knowledge.”
As it stands, the three libraries are set to close at the end of March.
“We’ve been trying to make our voices clear, and yet they’ve gone ahead with it anyway. It’s really just such a shame.”
