Fears computers and books will not be safe inside library

A postmaster says he is alarmed Tenterden library is to be left unmanned after its opening hours were slashed.

The library in the Gateway at Manor Row will be open for 37 hours per week, instead of 49.5 when the changes take effect in the autumn.

It means the library hours are no longer identical to those of the Post Office that it shares the building with, leading postmaster Alan Knight to express concerns.

“We are based at the back of the building and can’t see the library,” he said.

“I’m concerned that people could take the books and if someone were to walk in and take all the computers we wouldn’t be aware of it.”

“Our hours are governed by the Post Office so cannot be altered and we can’t be held responsible for the books and computers while the staff are not there.”

Mr Knight has been postmaster at Tenterden for three years and has run Headcorn post office for 14 years. He operates a total of nine post office services in Kent and east Sussex, including at Lamberhurst and Broadoak.

He said that while the post office and library were both open for 49.5 hours per week there was no problem and added: “I would have expected library staff to shadow our hours because after that the library won’t be secure. Any Tom, Dick or Harry could walk in.”

KCC ran a public consultation on the future of the county’s libraries, which ended on January 29 and it was thought that Tenterden’s opening hours would be reduced to 28 per week, leading Kent county councillor Mike Hill to express fears that the reduction would “decimate” that part of town.

The authority said that library opening hours did not always reflect demand and that there had been a drop in visitors.

Opening hours are to change at Tenterden library