Library campaigners 'will fight on'

Several counter proposals to the closures of Barham Park, Cricklewood, Kensal Rise, Neasden, Preston Road and Tokyngton libraries were put forward, but all were dismissed by the lead member for environment, planning and culture, Councillor James Powney (Kensal Green).

Opposition members responded by calling-in the decision, made after 82 per cent of Brent residents responding to the council's consultation opposed it.

Dr Shahra Ali, from Brent Green Party, was in the audience. "What this moment betrays is the inability of the exec to even stand up and be counted, if nothing else."

Declaring to challenge the decision, former council leader, Councillor Paul Lorber (Sudbury, Lib Dem) said: "Local people have worked tirelessly to put suitable alternatives together and in return they are ignored."

Resident Priya Shah, who helped lead the campaign to save Preston Library with a petition of nearly 6,000 signatures, said: "The idea that depriving whole areas of a library will mean a better service is absurd.

"Labour has betrayed us and has no respect for the people they are supposed to be representing. We expected them to stand up to government cuts on our behalf. We were wrong - power has clearly corrupted."

Many of the library campaigns are set to meet this week to discuss potential legal action, as one declared that the council had "thrown democracy into serious jeopardy".

Council leader Ann John had given up the first hour of Monday's meeting to hear various speakers, ranging in age from seven to 90-years-old.

Seven-year-old Jasmine Mainoo said: "My mum can't afford to keep buying my books, I am speaking for all the children, please don't close Preston Library."

Morris Cohen, aged 90, spoke in favour of Neasden Library. He said: "Neasden used to be a no-go area but the library has been a positive influence, it will deteriorate if you close it."

Campaigning to save Barham Park Library in Sudbury was Violet Steele, chair of Brent Pensioners' Forum.

Breaking down in tears, she said: "Local people feel disappointed by the council, which recently invested in modernising the library and included a children centre in it, only to propose to close it just three months after reopening."

But the Labour cabinet could not be persuaded. Councillor George Crane (Fryent) repeated their claim that the cut to Brent's budget imposed by the government, worth £100million over four years, had forced the closures.

Audience members again cried out, asking why £100million was instead being spent on a new town hall, and why a table tennis facility was being installed at Willesden Green.

Mr Powney outlined the council's arguments. He said: "Opening our libraries seven days a week will make them more accessible, not less, and enhance the service for many people.

"It is not just a matter of geographical issues. Our response to concerns of equality in the consultation has been an expansion of the outreach service to schools and improvements for housebound people."

Regularly interrupted by heckling from the audience, he continued: "There are more things to consider than just what people said in the consultation.

"We are designing a library service supposed to promote libraries to the whole population, and we also have to take into account people who don't currently use the library service."

But residents have refused to admit defeat. Save Kensal Rise Library will meet tonight (Thursday 14) at 7pm in the Scout Hall in Leighton Gardens to discuss a new way forward.