7:00pm Thursday 26th April 2007
By Louise Dunderdale
A BID to keep 13 threatened libraries operating with council support has been called "premature".
Councillor Clare Sutton put forward a motion asking for Dorset County Council on Thursday to agree to support 13 libraries - including those at Colehill, Corfe Mullen and Lytchett Matravers.
Dorset County Council's library services anticipates a funding gap of £850,000 by 2008/09.
Local residents have been told to form community groups and put forward a plan to run the libraries themselves or face closure.
Protesters with placards had gathered outside the meeting at Dorchester to make their feelings known to councillors walking into the meeting.
Cllr Sutton asked that the council retain the current premises, supplies and services and continued to employ staff and to provide books for the 13 libraries.
Her motion asked for this to be done on condition that each library formed a community-led "representative group" to consider strategy and service provision, and that each group explored fundraising, sponsorship, recruiting volunteers and cutting costs.
The issue sparked nearly two hours of debate but Cllr Sutton's motion was defeated 23 votes to 19.
The same motion she put forward last week at cabinet was also defeated.
Councillors agreed to note Councillor Sutton's motion but ruled that no decision should be taken until the library service efficiency review finishes in July.
The issue will be considered again on July 11 and then at county council on July 18.
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