PRESS RELEASE: PROPOSED WITHDRAWAL OF COUNCIL FUNDING OF CHAFFORD HUNDRED LIBRARY

Many residents have contacted us about the proposed withdrawal of Council funding of Chafford Hundred Library.

We are aware that the Council has to review all aspects of the budget, but we are quite concerned about the proposal to withdraw the £60,000 funding from Chafford Hundred Library.

The Library is multi-purpose, it is used mainly by:

· Chafford Primary School;

· Chafford Secondary School; &

· Chafford Residents & other local Schools

Due to its unique nature, it is jointly funded by the Schools and the Council. If the Council withdraw the £60,000 spent on the Library every year, both Campus and Chafford Primary may not be able to maintain it and therefore its future could be at risk.

A recent FOI request shows that Chafford Library is the 3^rd most used library in Thurrock, with almost 91,000 visits last year alone.

The concerns are:

· Have the full effects of the withdrawal of the funds been considered?

· Will the Schools be able to support the Library remaining open or will the Library totally close?

· Children are encouraged to read, but with the Library at risk of closure, where does the Council propose the Children should carry out their lessons?

· With the Council recognising that even more children are due to use the two main schools that use the library, why pull the funding now?

· Have alternative forms of working being considered, e.g. closing one day a week or reduced hours?

· Why is there no consultation about this?

· What will happen to the 4 library staff?

We all agree that the Council has to reconsider its budget, but we are asking the Council to review this proposal so that the library can remain open.

Thanks

Tunde Ojetola - South Chafford

Steve Veryard - South Chafford

Neil Rockliffe - Chafford North

Garry Hague - Chafford North