Romford MP urges Havering Council to halt any plans of library closure and instead engage in dialogue.

The Member of Parliament for Romford,Essex, Andrew Rosindell M.P., has voiced his staunch opposition to the proposed closure of Gidea Park and Collier Row libraries. In a letter addressed to Cllr. Paul Middleton, Cabinet Member for Customer Services at Havering Town Hall. In a passionate appeal to the Havering Residents’ Association/Labour Administration lead member responsible for libraries, Mr Rosindell expressed deep concern over the potential closure of these vital community institutions.

Gidea Park and Collier Row, vibrant communities within Romford, have long benefited from the presence of their local libraries. Andrew emphasised the detrimental impact that closure would have on residents of all ages, particularly children and older individuals who rely on these facilities for education, recreation, and social interaction.

This is the second time Andrew has campaigned against the closure of these libraries. In 2000, the then Labour administration in Havering Town Hall sought to shut them down, resulting in Mr Rosindell’s successful ‘Save Gidea Park Library’ campaign.

In his letter, the M.P., who grew up in the area and has lived in Romford all his life, decries the trend of diminishing community facilities, highlighting the erosion of local identities and the loss of essential social connections. He called upon Havering Council to reconsider its plans and explore innovative solutions that would preserve these libraries while fostering greater community cohesion.

Proposing the concept of a multi-service “community hall,” Mr Rosindell advocates for the consolidation of various public entities, including libraries, police stations, and council services, into centralised hubs accessible to all residents. He argued that such an approach would not only optimise resource utilisation but also strengthen local identities and promotes a sense of belonging.

Andrew urged Havering Council to halt any plans of closure and instead engage in dialogue with stakeholders to develop a strategy that enhances public services, addresses taxpayer concerns and demonstrates foresight. He emphasises the importance of reevaluating current proposals and encourages a return to the drawing board to ensure the best possible outcomes for the community.

The proposed closure of Gidea Park and Collier Row Libraries has sparked widespread concern amongst residents and stakeholders. With Andrew Rosindell M.P. lending his voice to the opposition, the pressure mounts on Havering Council to reconsider its course of action and prioritise the needs of the community.

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