Alarmed by comment piece in Private Eye

I was alarmed to be alerted recently to a comment in Private Eye at the end of last year (10-17 December) concerning Slough public libraries.

Last year's consultation on libraries noted that ‘the council's financial position is such that we may need to consider closing our dedicated library buildings’.

According to a comment made to Private Eye, all that would remain would be a ‘hybrid’ service, mainly based online, with contact points based in council offices.

This would surely be contrary to the legal requirements that library authorities (unitary, county or metropolitan borough councils) have a statutory duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964

‘to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for all those who live, work or study in the area’ (section 7).

It is to be hoped that the results of last year's consultation will make this clear and ensure that the law continues to be met.

Otherwise legal action may be needed to ensure that our essential services survive.

Could we also have some explanation of where the money for providing library (and other) services has gone.

Is it that reckless capital expenditure on supposed investments has involved unjustified revenue expenses to meet interest payments, money which should have been dedicated to meeting essential ser vices?

This year we will have a farcical local election in Slough for a third of our councillors who will serve for one year before the whole council has to stand for election in 2023.

With Government commissioners in place they will in any case have little or no power, but it is to be hoped that the electorate will nevertheless giving a resounding verdict on the financial mismanagement that has brought Slough to such a disastrous situation.

JOHN WILDING East Berkshire Green Party