Library protestors have launched a “community consultation” as they continue their campaign to save the libraries of Essex.
Essex County Council could close a projected 24 libraries including Southminster and Wickham Bishops under its new plans, which will save the council £2million.
More than 60,000 have petitioned against the closures, and the campaign group Save our Libraries Essex (Sole) have even demonstrated outside the council’s offices in Chelmsford, with backing from hundreds of supporters
The group has now released an “alternative” survey asking the community if they wish to see their libraries go.
Katy Vargas of Sole, said the council’s original consultation was “flawed”.
She added: “Our community consultation gives residents the chance to say if they want our 24 threatened libraries to remain open, run by professional staff, and publicly financed without these proposed cuts – a chance the council’s survey never gave them.
“It also asks for ideas on how library usage can be encouraged – something the Council didn’t seem interested in.
“It removes the Council’s gag and allows people to make positive suggestions for the future of our libraries.”
Essex County Council responded to the claims from Sole that its survey did not give residents a chance to put across their view.
A spokesman said: “Essex County Council consulted on the draft libraries strategy for 12 weeks, receiving over 21,000 responses.
“This was the official route for people to have their say.
“The consultation is now closed and the results are being analysed.
“All responses, including the petitions from Sole will be considered before any decisions are made.
“No decisions about any library has or will be made until the County Council Cabinet considers the final strategy in the summer.”
The consultation closes on June 11, where the group will display their findings to Essex County Council on June 18.
This article originally appeared on Maldon Standard
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