Putting Croydon First

Labour: fighting for you across Croydon

'Reprieve' for South Norwood library

Following the announcement by Cllr Sara Bashford, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture & Sport, that the six libraries under threat will remain open - but only until July 2012, South Norwood Councillors have reacted with caution.

Deputy shadow spokesperson for Customer Services, Culture & Sport, Cllr Wayne Lawlor said: "On one level this is good news for the people of South Norwood. But this decision raises more questions that it answers. After continual protestations that the council cannot afford to keep libraries open, Croydon Tories suddenly find a pot of gold. Where has the money come from for this reprieve? If the council managed to do its homework at start, it could have saved a lot of pain for library friends and users. It seems to me that this whole situation has been politically engineered for Croydon Tories to claim they are 'listening'.

Councillor Jane Avis said: "I'm not surprised at this announcement. Croydon Conservatives are playing a game of cat and mouse. I'm devastated that we have lost some outstanding librarians. It is clear that Croydon Council Leader, Cllr Fisher is the person behind this campaign. Not once did we hear about libraries, such as South Norwood, providing a service for some of the most deprived areas in Croydon. The Conservatives have no idea of the devastation and upset that they have caused. Cllr Fisher must now consider his position".

Councillor Kathy Bee said: "Croydon's Tory Council is in chaos. Decisions are being made without ay forethought or consideration. There have been many instances where people have expressed anger and frustration at the council's policy - the luxury Tory HQ being one. did that stop them going ahead? Of course not. My fear is that the library reprieve is just a PR excercise."