Councillors block bid to protect libraries

Councillors blocked a bid to protect two libraries from closure during a heated council meeting on Thursday night.

Slough Borough Council, which is controlled by a minority Conservative administration, is consulting on proposals to close Langley and Cippenham libraries.

Independent councillor Chandra Muvvala proposed a motion to dismiss the plans, but Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors voted to alter Mr Muvvala's motion.

Their amendment instead said the council's cabinet would "consider the consultation" and "protect existing resourcing levels".

The consultation is set to end on 25 February, and councillors will discuss the feedback at a meeting on 17 March.

There are currently four libraries in Slough - Cippenham, Langley, The Curve and Britwell.

The cash-strapped authority previously said closing Cippenham and Langley libraries could save about £195,000, and would make better use of library resources in the borough.

Mr Muvvala said the closure would affect "most" people in the area, "if not today, maybe tomorrow".

His motion called for councillors to "dismiss proposals to close existing library services", as well as oppose staff cuts in the library service and "develop a strategic plan to ensure the long-term sustainability and relevance of library services in Slough".

But lead member for education and children's services Puja Bedi presented the amendment, which passed.

A spokesperson for Slough Borough Council said: "The outcome from the motion was to continue with the consultation and use the feedback from residents and members, along with the data, to design a library service for the future."

The spokesperson said the council was "dedicated to providing a strong and effective library service and will continue with the consultation".

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