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140616 | Mobile library service likely to be axed in Cornwall | West Briton

Via http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Mobile-library-service-likely-axed-Cornwall/...

Mobile library service likely to be axed in Cornwall

By WBEsme | Posted: June 16, 2014

CornwallCouncil
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Cornwall has come one step closer to losing its mobile libraries after councillors voted to axe the service.

The decision to abolish mobile library services in the duchy was narrowly passed by four votes to three at a Cornwall Council partnership portfolio advisory committee today.

Three possible options were discussed in the meeting, but councillors voted against the retention of one or two library vans.

Instead the committee advised that the council get rid of all mobile libraries and replace the service with micro community libraries in village buildings and an expansion of the volunteer run home library service.

Independent Cornwall Councillor for the Carharrack, Gwennap and St Day ward, Mark Kaczmarek, who was not on the committee, said: “I am extremely disappointed over this decision and sure that many of those who rely on this service will be extremely upset and feel let down by a council committee that should be there to support them and the rural communities which make up the vast majority of Cornwall as a whole.

“Once this has been axed it will be unlikely to see it ever returning what they have now done to the mobile library service is what Dr Beeching regretfully did to the railways.”

Councillor Kaczmarek said a recent survey has shown that 66 per cent of Cornish residents would be majorly affected by the loss of the service, while 21 per cent would suffer a minor affect.

He added: “This [decision] was won by four votes to thee some of the 10 committee members did not vote which is in my view shameful.”

Armand Toms, chair of the partnerships portfolio advisory committee said: “Members of the committee considered all the information put before them before deciding by a majority that option 2 was the recommendation to go to the Cabinet.”

The final decision about the future of Cornwall’s mobile library service will be made at a Cornwall Council cabinet meeting, expected to take place on Wednesday, July 2.