Library Closures 2

LIBRARIES AN OPEN AND SHUT CASE CLAIMS TILSLEY

25-03-2009

Claims that three Birmingham libraries will be closed are based on a misunderstanding claims deputy Council leader Paul Tilsley – who insists there are plans to roll out extra book lending services across the city. Yet he doesn’t deny that existing premises might be shut.

Tilsley was responding to the ongoing row sparked by last week’s Stirrer column in the Birmingham Mail – and since developed on this website (see link here).

He reckons we’ve been suckered into siding with Labour, who are targeting Yardley for the next local and general elections – all masterminded by former city councillor Stewart Stacey (aka “The Butcher of Broad Street”).

"We have got no intention of closing libraries so I get very angry and upset when what I regard as responsible people are taken in by a political campaign by the likes of Stewart Stacey” he said.

“He’s running a masterclass in how to attack a ruling administration.

“First you raise a false story, then you get it denied – and after that you claim victory for a ‘climbdown’.”

Tilsley accepts that the three libraries as being under risk of closure in the Yardley constituency (Sheldon, Glebe Farm and Kents Moat) may eventually disappear – with the latter two most likely to go first - but is adamant that they’ll be replaced by more modern facilities designed to attract more visitors.

And he pledged that even if customers have to self-issue books, trained librarians will always be on hand to assist with enquiries.

“We are looking to extend library provision across the city. It is one of our key performance targets,” he said.

“There will be no diminution in what we offer – we’ll have greater facilities.

“There may be self service, but if you go to Tesco’s or Sainsbury’s you can check out yourself. Do you really need a professional to issue books?

“We are working in the 21st century, and we’ve got to deliver a 21st century performance.”

Meanwhile, as Tilsley suggests, Labour has started taking advantage of the controversy - as their latest posters reveal.

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