Library users in talks with county to avert closure

May 23 2011 By Lawrence Poole

Libraries are bearing the brunt of council spending cuts.

RESIDENTS from Chalfont St Peter met with Bucks County Council on Friday (May 20) to stave off the closure of their library.

In April the council rubber-stamped a community-led model, which will mean 14 libraries across the county could close if enough volunteers do not step forward to run them.

Over 600 people in Chalfont St Peter signed a petition to save their library and a group, the Friends of Chalfont St Peter Library, was set up to try and protect its future.

Chairman of the group Steve Poole said: "We're being forced into this by the decision the council has made and we regret their decision. But we'd like there to continue to be a library facility here.

"The meeting was very positive, we came away with the impression the council are willing to help us. We've got another meeting next month to decide whether it's feasible – after that we need to submit a proposal. David Jones (BCC's service delivery manager) was very helpful and it's about the level of funding and support we get from them now."

Chalfont St Peter and Great Missenden libraries both face uncertain futures. The Friends of Great Missenden Library are also busy getting parties interested in running their service together to protect its future.

Mr Poole added: "It's looking quite positive, a lot of people signed the petition. We're collecting volunteers' names as and when they come forward so we'll see what comes out of the next meeting and if our proposal is accepted."

Little Chalfont and Chalfont St Giles are both operating volunteer-run libraries in the Chilterns and the council has advised the targeted services to follow their lead.

Jim Brooks, who runs Little Chalfont Community Library, has been advising representatives from Chalfont St Peter on how best to progress with their model.

A public consultation into the proposal ended in February with the idea being put forward as part of plans to save £700,000 from the libraries' budget over the next three years.