Maines calls for library for Locksbottom

12.00.00am GMT Fri 3rd Dec 2004

Chris Maines with local campaigner Viv Ross are calling for a new library for Locksbottom - here they are at a possible site - the former Kwik-Fit in Locksbottom.

Liberal Democrats are calling for the borough to have a new library at Locksbottom. "We live in an age where people have a growing appetite for books and for information, our current library provision struggles to meet that demand." says Cllr Chris Maines.

The Government launched the Public Library Standards in 2001, which have recently been enhanced. Bromley Council has fallen down on this standard because residents in the Farnborough and Locksbottom areas are among the 1% of Londoners who live further than 1 mile from a library.

"Most residents in Bromley are very positive about their libraries," claims Cllr Maines, "but those that have to depend on the mobile service do not get the standard of service they should be able to expect in 2004."

"A new facility at Locksbottom will relief the pressure on Orpington Library that is frequently bursting at the seams with borrowers and people trying to research information." Cllr Maines added.

Cllr Chris Maines says "The whole community are able to benefit from a new library, young people, families and older people are all significant users of the service. It therefore seems to be an investment that everybody can enjoy."

Liberal Democrat councillors are also pushing for additional resources to be spent on book acquisitions. Bromley Council has cut the book funding in previous years leading to a reduction in new titles available for local residents to borrow.

The proposal for a new library and extra investment in the fund for purchasing books will be discussed at Bromley Council's Executive meeting on 10th January 2005.