Decision shelved (From Thisisdorset)

Decision shelved

10:27am Friday 16th June 2006

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THIRTEEN rural libraries in Dorset are set to be given a 12-month "stay of execution" while efforts are made to secure their long-term future.

County councillors on Thursday agreed to extend the consultation period to enable further talks with local residents.

Libraries under threat due to a £20 million council funding deficit include Colehill, Corfe Mullen, Corfe Castle, Lytchett Matravers and Wool.

Scores of enraged residents turned up at County Hall yesterday to demonstrate their opposition to the possible closures.

Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Annette Brooke handed over a petition of more than 10,000 signatures and hundreds of letters opposing the closure proposals.

Recommending "a period of extended dialogue," director of corporate services Elaine Taylor said Dorset's library service was facing "very difficult revenue and capital problems. In three years' time the library service will have a revenue deficit of £850,000," she warned.

"There is a genuine public desire and concern to work with the county council to find alternative solutions for those branch libraries facing possible closure."

County councillors heard impassioned pleas from community representatives opposed to the closures.

Corfe Mullen Cllr Susan Jefferies said: "The smaller libraries should not be facing closure. They are all valued and I wish to have no part in any policy that saves any library at the cost of others."

The extended consultation period will be recommended to the cabinet at its meeting on July 12, along with cuts in administrative budgets.

A proposal to fund the budget shortfall during the consultation period with a further reduction in the book fund was rejected.

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