Cllr Paul Bell | Working for Telegraph Hill

I attended the meeting over the potential closure of Crofton Park Library on Monday night and welcomed the fact that so many people were there. The council officers got a rough ride from some quarters, but I was not happy that despite having my hand waving to speak, I did not get the opportunity,

Anyhow, I think the message from Crofton Park ward, and I was there as many constituents from the Honor Oak use Crofton Park Library, is loud and clear - hands off our library.

Regrettably as the turn-out for the New Cross Library was so poor, I hope it does not send the wrong message to the council officers. If it does, let me say loud and clear - hands off New Cross Library!

Last night I spoke at the public meeting about New Cross Library. At that meeting I stated that I did not think the closure of New Cross Library is right, nor the closure of Crofton Park Library. In an area like New Cross the presence of a library gives the area a presence of community that is shared across ethinic and cultural divides as well as affluence. It also provides employment and staff there must be very worried and concerned about the situation. I have always believed, it is better to keep people employed as the local economy benefits.

I also stated that I shall be asking for the decision to be shelved and will be putting this to officers and the Mayor. However, I was very perplexed by the presence of Cllr Chris Maines, Lib Dem, as it is the Tories and Lib Dems proposing these massive cuts from our budgets.