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Motion tabled to throw out planned library closures

Google Langley Library street view. There is a bus stop in front of the building. Above the entrance, a sign reads "Welcome to Langley Library". It's a sunny day.Google
Langley library is one of two venues being considered for closure

Plans to close two libraries in a town could be ditched in a crunch vote set to take place this week.

Slough Borough Council, which is controlled by a minority Conservative administration, is considering closing Langley and Cippenham libraries.

The cash-strapped authority says the move could save about £195,000, and will make better use of library resources in the borough.

Independent councillor Chandra Muvvala has proposed a motion to dismiss the plans, which will be voted on at a full council meeting on Thursday.

Mr Muvvala's motion calls on the council to make a plan for the long-term future of Slough's libraries and suggests seeking "partnerships with local organisations, and educational institutions" to run library services.

It also says the council should "oppose any further reduction in staff numbers" and aim to increase staffed hours in all libraries.

Slough Borough Council Chandra Muvvala has short brown hair and is wearing a white shirt and pin stripe navy suit.Slough Borough Council
The motion has been tabled by independent councillor Chandra Muvvala

Labour opposition leader Pavitar Mann has backed Mr Muvvala's motion, while Liberal Democrat leader Frank O'Kelly has also said his party wants "more investment in libraries, rather than shutting them down".

If independent, Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors all back the motion, Conservative council leaders could be forced to drop the plans.

The council is currently asking residents for their opinions on the proposal in a public consultation set to end on February 25.

If the plans go ahead it will mean the number of libraries in Slough will be cut in half, with just Britwell library and The Curve left open.

More than 900 people have signed a petition against the plans.

Speaking in December, council leader Dexter Smith said the proposed closures were about using library resources in the "most effective way".

He said: "There is no question at all about this council's commitment to continuing a library service. There is no question about us cutting the library service. We are talking about using our resources in the most effective way."

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