Labour MP John Denham has urged Southampton’s Liberal Democrat-controlled council not to go ahead with their proposal to close Cobbett Road library. In advance of tomorrow’s annual council budget setting meeting, he has emailed the Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member for Leisure, Councillor Steve Sollitt, asking him to give an assurance that any changes to the libraries budget will not result in the closure of the library.John Denham, who represents the Southampton Itchen seat said “I first heard about the closure plans just over a week ago and was shocked and disappointed that the demolition of this important local facility was being considered. I rushed out a letter last weekend asking people in the surrounding roads what they thought. So far, in that short time, well over 100 people have contacted me to say that the library should not close.
“The City Council’s budget proposals do not spell out that Cobbett Road should be closed but they do include a proposal to save Ł50,000 from the libraries budget by reorganisation including the possible closure of branches. I am looking for a promise that any changes to the library budget should not close Cobbett Road.”
- Library users are expected to join the lobby on the Civic Centre steps from 1.30-2pm tomorrow, ahead of the budget meeting at 2pm.