Sad popular library is at risk once more
I AM both saddened and angry to have found out that the volunteer group Earlsdon Library Friends can no longer work in partnership with the council to keep the library open.
Despite the dedicated group of volunteers having a business plan and a strategy for managing future funding, as I understand it, the council has withdrawn further assistance, thus reneging on its earlier promise to ensure proper safeguarding measures are put in place in community-led libraries.
I would also draw attention to the words of Councillor Kevin Maton, cabinet member for education and skills, who was quoted in the Coventry Telegraph last year promising us that “no libraries will close through these proposals. For libraries that could have closed, we are working with groups to enable a transition for these libraries to become community-led”.
It was bad enough that Earlsdon Library and others were expected to survive on volunteers in the first place but for the council to stop cooperating with those willing and able to fill the void they have shamefully created is appalling and yet another example to add to the litany of broken promises from local Labour politicians.
They tell us incessantly that ‘austerity’ is to blame yet preside over a spiralling allowance and expenses bill, and can find £300,000 for the BBC Big Weekend and a similar amount each year for the Godiva Festival.
Our city desperately needs change and that change will only come about if the people of Coventry vote. Regardless of your national political loyalties, the local Labour Party clearly doesn’t favour the many over the few. Matthew Batson Coundon
Simple PSA test for early detection
I’D like to acknowledge the generosity of local people and the Coventry Telegraph for supporting our PSA testing events.
We continue to see the benefits of this initiative. Your support is enabling us to stage our next event which will be held on Saturday, May 19 at the Willenhall Social Club, Robin Hood Road, Willenhall, between 10am and 12.30pm.
We will again be offering free PSA testing for men aged 45 and over.
Most early prostate cancers do not have any symptoms. So, we encourage men at risk to have a simple blood test to assess the health of their prostate.
For details visit cnwpcsg.org.uk Peter Smith Secretary, Coventry & North Warwickshire Prostate Cancer Support Group
Stick to what we voted for – to leave
I WOULD like to endorse the letter by Paul Alders (Apr 30) asking local MPs to honour the country’s vote to leave the EU.
The government seems to be making compromises in their so-called leaving negotiations.
I don’t recall there being any compromise options on the voting papers, but then again as I keep being told, perhaps I didn’t know what I was voting for.
Perhaps stay or leave means something else I’m not aware of?
I agree with Mr Alders and have written to my MP to remind him of the government’s commitment to leave the EU in its entirety. Roy Frost Marton