‘If The HRA Insist On Closing Libraries, They Will Lose The Next Election.’

‘This is a short sighted decision that will impact so many communities. Libraries are and have been the focal point for so many who come and read, talk and keep warm. They are now destroying that.’

Residents, children, councillors and union members gathered outside the Town Hall in Romford last night in a last bid attempt to save certain libraries from closing. Yet, despite their pleas to councillors, cabinet members at the meeting chose to axe Harold Wood, South Hornchurch and Gidea Park library, leaving residents angry.

One resident told the Havering Daily “If the HRA insist on closing our libraries, they will lose the next election. People are extremely angry about this decision, especially as they had been presented with alternatives, and yet failed to even begin to consider them. They were asked last night to at least put the decision on pause until more options could be given. But they didn’t listen to the people again and just went ahead and agreed the closure.”

Outside the Town Hall, many different speakers shared heartfelt stories of just how vital our libraries are to the community including a teacher from Rainham Village School who shared his pupils thoughts on library closures and the negative impact it would have on them.

The most moving speech of the night came from five year old Rosalind who took the mic and openly told the crowd that shutting libraries would stop children from being able to read new books that they liked. An incredible speech from a very bright little five year old who loves her library visits.

The three Harold Wood councillors spoke about the long standing plan they had to be able to run the library independently. Councillor Matthew Stanton shared the importance of libraries not just as a place of learning, but also as a place that takes additional strain away from other vital services in the borough.

The library closure decision has angered many in the community who believe that there were other alternatives that could have been considered.

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