Hundreds sign petition opposing library closures

A 2,000-signature petition "strongly opposing" the proposed closure of two libraries is set to be debated by councillors.

Slough Borough Council announced plans to close Cippenham and Langley libraries in December.

The number of signatures means the petition has to be debated at a meeting of all councillors on 24 April, with a final decision on the closures expected to be made at a cabinet meeting in May.

A report ahead of the meeting said the council was "dedicated to ensuring that any changes made will enhance the services the council provides".

The signatories of the petition said they "strongly oppose the council's proposal" and have called on the authority to dismiss it.

Speaking to the LDRS last month, Langley Marish ward councillor Chandra Muvvala said: "No-one thinks the library should be closed."

He said shutting it would leave children who use it "with nowhere they can go".

"There are eight primary schools close to the library – many children after school go straight to the library," he continued.

The report said the annual maintenance costs for both libraries was £139,000 and visitor numbers had fallen by 75% to Cippenham library and by 66% to Langley library since 2019.

However, it also noted the council had also reduced the opening hours by 52% and 39%, respectively, since 2022.

The report added the authority was "fully aware of how valuable library services are to residents".

It recommended councillors voted to include the petition in the evidence presented to council leaders when they make their decision next month.

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