THE CHAFFORD Hundred library is set to close to the public at the end of the month.
After months of negotiations, the decision was made by the governors of both Chafford Hundred senior and primary schools.
The libraries hours were cut to ten hours by the Labour administration. A survey conducted by the council reported that the library was the least frequently used library resource in the borough.
At the time portfolio holder, cllr Lynn Worrall threw down a challenge to the local Tory councillors: “If you are fans of the Big Society then we are sure you will find lots of volunteers to help man the library”.
No volunteers were forthcoming.
The decision was especially difficult for local councillor Tunde Ojetola who is also chair of governors at Chafford Hundred primary.
Questions will also be raised that the library has been used as a political football in the ongoing power struggle between the soon to be Harris Academy and the local education authority.
A spokesperson for Thurrock Council said: The council has always paid rent. As the school has now withdrawn its support and wishes to use the space for other purposes, unfortunately the library will have to close:
“The decision to close the library to the public was taken by school governors on 26 April. The final day of public opening will be Thursday 26 May.
It will remain as a school library to which primary and secondary pupils will have access so far as the council is aware.
“The council’s library service has agreed to leave children’s and young adult stock for the school to use. It has also offered them any adult stock that might be useful.”
YT spoke to the executive headteacher of Chafford Hundred Campus, Chris Tomlinson about the decision.
