Gail Coleshill, Louise Bray, and Cllr Neil Butters with school children in Wellow next to the mobile library service that could be axed.Local campaigners including a parish councillor attended Thursday’s Safer Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel at the Guildhall in Bath, in order to express their concerns about the proposed review of the mobile library route.
Gail Coleshill representing the views of people living in the rural areas, said:
“I have been speaking to residents in the villages where there is shock and dismay at the proposals. Many users are elderly or have mobility problems and some parents with young children may not get the opportunity to take them to a library any other way.”
Local resident and campaigner Louise Bray told the committee how much she depended on the mobile library when she was unable to drive.
She told the panel:
“It is no good relying on public transport to get you to the main library from Wellow village because there isn’t any. When I had an operation in my eye I could not drive and the mobile library was a Godsend for me. Staff were so helpful and were able to get me talking books.
There is an old English proverb that says a good book is the best of friends. For the people in the villages the mobile library is a friend, and a good friend is someone you might not see for a while, but is always there when you need them."
Gail has launched an online petition against the proposal to cut the service. To sign visit: www.ourcampaign.org.uk/saveourlibraries
By signing, you will also be kept updated on the progress of the consultation and the campaign.
For a paper copy of the petition download one from the website, or contact Gail Coleshill on 01761 432923.
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