Residents make passionate plea tosave community li-

Craigneuk residents made a passionate last ditch appeal to keep their library open following a meeting with CultureNL chiefs.

The meeting held in the library itself, saw CultureNL bosses explain why the library was set to close later this year and explained the provisions that will be put in place following the closure.

Craigneuk Community Council member Polly Boyle was one of those people at the meeting.

She told the Wishaw Press:“People were certainly passionate but they just wanted to know if there was anything that could be done to save the library.

“The council told us they had to save £1 million but people don’t think our library should close because of it.”

Meanwhile, a petition to save the library from closure has now attracted hundreds of signatures.

The petition, set up by Polly’s 12-year-old son Danny, has seen dozens of locals and those living further afield to show their support for keeping the library open.

Marie Farrell posted:“The library in Craigneuk is an integral part of the community serving from the very young to the older people.

“NLC should hang their head in shame if they take the library away. Craigneuk needs this facility.

“Do the right thing NLC and let the library be able to continue their good work in the area.”

Siobhan McGurk, now based in America, pledged her support for Danny’s cause adding: “Libraries are rich sources of knowledge, entertainment, community, sanctuary.

“They are democratising spaces, open to all equally. We must defend our public services against cutbacks.”

Culture NL confirmed that the consultation on future service provision was open and runs until Monday, June 13.

In a statement Culture NL said: “We are seeking customer’s views on the future direction of service provision following the decision to no longer operate from seven community facilities (Bargeddie Hall, Coshneuk Hall, Harthill Senior Citizens Centre, Springhill Community Centre, Mossend Senior Citizens Centre, Watson Street OAP Hut, Whifflet Community Centre), and four libraries (Petersburn Library, Old Monkland Library, Craigneuk Library, Newarthill Library).

“The consultation also covers amended opening hours for all libraries across North Lanarkshire and future service provision following the reduction in the mobile library fleet from five to three vehicles.

“Service users have until close of business on Monday, June 13, to submit their responses via an online questionnaire accessible through http://www.culturenl.co.uk/ consultation.”

You can sign Danny’s petition at www.change.org/p/ culture-north-lanarkshire-savecraigneuk-library